LSN : News : Mattel’s first blind Barbie doll takes a positive step forward

Imoo launches new Z7 sports watch phone for kids

imoo Watch Phone Z7, China

Germany – Imoo, the pioneering brand in kids’ smartwatch technology, has introduced its new flagship sports watch phone, the Z7, in the UK and Germany. Building on a decade of research in children's smartwatches, the Z7 offers advanced sports and health monitoring features alongside its unique flip dual-camera design.

The device enables HD video calls with its 5MP rear and 2MP front cameras, ensuring parents can see their kids’ surroundings during calls. This feature allows families to keep in touch during adventures, like summer outings in national parks.

Safety and health monitoring are key strengths of the Z7. It boasts global navigation satellite systems for accurate child-location tracking and a PPG sensor to monitor heart rate, body temperature, and emotional changes. The class mode feature also minimises distractions during school hours.

To encourage physical activity, the Z7 includes four sport modes – running, rope skipping, sit-ups, and swimming – supported by a reward system for peer challenges. Retailing for £189 ($244, €219), the watch functions underwater up to 20 metres via IPX8 water resistance.

For more insights on technology designed for Gen Alpha, head to our Teens, Tech and Tapping Out report.

Strategic opportunity

Given the increasing interest in child safety and health, consider developing smart wearables tailored for children. This includes features such as health monitoring, GPS tracking and communication tools

WHEN brings at-home fertility testing to Australia

WHEN, Australia

Australia – WHEN, Australia’s first at-home egg count testing service, is on a mission to start fertility conversations sooner, to give consumers more options later.

While people routinely undergo preventative health checks, fertility has remained a lag indicator, often assessed too late to affect outcomes. WHEN addresses this by offering accessible, proactive fertility insights without the need for costly medical referrals. The brand’s platform, WHEN Matters, curates real fertility stories and expert advice, fostering a community-driven conversation around fertility.

WHEN tapped design studio Universal Favourite to create a visual and verbal identity for the brand that doesn’t feel clinical, cold or impersonal. The brand identity aims to blend credibility with compassion, emphasising the brand’s accessibility and appealing to those seeking both expert advice and emotional support.

In our Fertility Market: The New Cycle report, we analysed how candid conversations are leading to compassionate innovations within the fertility industry. At-home egg count testing services such as WHEN help to remove body-clock stigma and empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need for their fertility journey.

Strategic opportunity

As at-home fertility tests become more accessible, the market for reproductive health services will expand rapidly. IVF clinics, egg-freezing providers and fertility clinics should prepare accordingly

Mattel’s first blind Barbie doll takes a positive step forward

Playback Mattel Program

Global – Mattel, the renowned US toymaker, is taking a significant step towards inclusivity with the launch of its first blind Barbie doll. Available both online and in store, this new addition aims to provide representation for blind and low-vision children, fostering a sense of belonging within society.

Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, emphasised the broader impact of Barbie, stating, ‘We recognise that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging.’

To ensure authenticity, Mattel collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind. The doll features details such as a white and red cane with a marshmallow tip, and an eye gaze that faces slightly up and out, reflecting the distinctive gaze of some blind individuals. The UK launch is supported by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

This new doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas range, which first launched in 2009 and has since expanded to include 176 dolls with nine different body types, 35 skin tones and 94 hairstyles. It even launched its first Barbie with Down’s syndrome, a case study we explored further in America Puts the New in Neurodivergence.

Strategic opportunity

Take your diversity one step forward and consider how you can complement a product range with sensitive services. Are your marketing and comms easily digestible for neurodivergent audiences? Is your customer care trained to serve those with disabilities?

Stat: Millennials and Ozempic drive high-protein food boom

The Dinner Ladies by Universal Favourite, Australia

Global – Consumer interest in health and weight loss, particularly among Millennials, is boosting sales of high-protein packaged foods and beverages, according to an industry report by William Blair.

The report states that from 2021 to 2023, sales of high-protein products have grown at an annual rate of over 7%, reaching £23bn ($30bn, €28bn) in 2023 (based on data from the analytics company Circana). Figures also cited from Brandwatch confirm the trend and indicate a surge in online searches and discussions about high-protein diets, with 52% of mentions coming from Millennials aged 25 to 40.

Health and fitness goals are the primary drivers of this behavioural shift. Euromonitor International’s Health and Nutrition Survey found that people follow high-protein diets mainly to improve fitness and health. Additionally, those on GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are increasing protein intake to counteract muscle-mass loss.

William Blair analysts note: ‘Consumers increasingly want to live fit and be well, and are voting with their pocketbooks for higher-protein foods and beverages.’ For more insights on what’s new and next for high-protein food, head to our Functional Feasting macrotrend report.

Strategic opportunity

Consider developing new high-protein products that cater to specific dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free or keto-friendly options. This can capture niche markets within the broader high-protein trend