Disney Appmates Transforms Your iPad Into A Track For Toy Cars

AllThingsD reported on an interesting app from Disney that uses iPad’s capabilities in unusual way. So-called Appmates are toy cars that interact with the app via the iPad’s display. Writer of the publication Tricia Duryee explains:

“In a live demonstration, Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile, showed me how it works. First, he placed a miniature car on the iPad’s screen to create a bond with the game — no Bluetooth or wires needed. As Decrem moved the toy car across the screen, the game reacted: Cars skidded out in the mud, knocked over buildings and honked their horns, startling tractor-shaped cows”.

Players can explore Radiator Springs, race around a track or collect hubcaps, which represent virtual currency of the game. A player can spend coins collected on different upgrades such as new headlights that appear at nighttime or horns.

Appmates will arrive in both Apple and Disney Stores on October 1. The game will be available for free download and toys will cost 20$ for a car. Initially, Disney is going to sell four characters from the “Cars 2″.

Disney is also going to release other accessories: iPad case featuring design of “Cars”, a Disney Pix Camera that let children take photo and create iPad albums and a wired or wireless microphone for singing karaoke to favorite tunes.