USA TODAY Features the Most Memorable New Products of 2013

USA TODAY featured a snapshot of our Most Memorable New Product Launch (MMNPL) survey on the front page of the Money section in yesterday’s edition.

Announcing the Top Ten Most Memorable New Product Launches of 2013

We have just announced the Top Ten Most Memorable New Product Launches of 2013! Head over to http://www.schneiderpr.com/blog/ to find out which products made the cut. We’ll also be releasing an ebook with full findings and insights from this year’s survey. Email launch@schneiderpr.com to receive a copy!

Curtis Silver Picks His Top 7 Tech Products of the Year

SA tech expert Curtis Silver shared the gadgets and gizmos he thinks will be the Most Memorable New Product Launches of 2013. Silver is a contributor to GeekDad and Medium.com, brand ambassador for Gunnar Optiks and writer of a delusional travel blog, Heathens of the Plains. He can be found at pixelhub.me/cebsilver.

1. Xbox One

In an effort to revolutionize the gaming experience, Microsoft is banking on their next generation gaming system to bleed together all aspects of gaming, television, music and movies for one massive entertainment machine.

 Learn more: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/meet-xbox-one

2. PlayStation 4

Like Microsoft, Sony is hoping their system will be the next generation entertainment system. Unlike Microsoft, Sony has benefited from not being completely creepy with how they plan on not watching you. Time will tell which system will win this battle, but it should be entertaining to watch.

Learn more: http://us.playstation.com/ps4/index.htm

3. Google Glass

While poised to become the next Segway, in the sense of revolutionary technology limited to tech nerds and tech tourists, Glass has the potential to be something more. Yet, every time Robert Scoble tweets a picture of himself in the shower, the product takes a hit. Do we want that kind of accessibility on our faces? Only time will tell.

Learn more: http://www.google.com/glass/start/

4. Netflix

Neither launched in the last year nor an actual piece of traditional technology, Netflix shouldn’t be on this list. But in February 2013, Netflix changed the landscape of television when it released original content, House of Cards. Through integration with the next generation of gaming consoles, Netflix’s business model will revolutionize how we digest made-for-TV entertainment.

Learn more: https://signup.netflix.com/

5. 3Doodler Pen

After pulling in $2.3M following a $30K Kickstarter goal, the 3Doodler Pen by WobbleWorks LLC is now shipping to backers. Just as 3D printing opened up the creative industrial market, this pen has the ability to do the same with consumers. It is cheap and can change how we doodle. For artists, it has the potential to be an invaluable resource for modeling and creation.

Learn more: http://www.the3doodler.com/

6. Galaxy Gear SmartWatch

Like it or not, calculator watches are making a comeback. Do people really want another piece of wearable technology when they are already carrying cell phones? Will the smart watch trend take off? If it does, at least Samsung can say they drew first blood.

Learn more: http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote3-gear/

7. Ouya

While Sony and Microsoft are busy building massive entertainment systems, Ouya is under the radar, seeking to bring gaming to the masses- but just gaming. With a $99 price point, an Android operating system and a game library that is free to try, it is only a matter of time before millions of burnt out gamers migrate to the simplicity of this system. While many are writing it off as dead, it’s better to consider Ouya the Linux of the gaming consoles.

Learn more:  https://www.ouya.tv/?gclid=CInhx4mc9rkCFUWd4Aod6R8AIQ

Domenick Celentano Picks his Top 7 Food Products of the Year

No one knows more about new food and beverage products than our expert Domenick Celentano. Celantano has spent his entire life in Retail Consumer Foods holding key positions in his family business, Celentano Bros., Inc. the well-known Italian frozen foods brand in the North East. Domenick is the Food & Beverage guide at About.com and writes articles and blogs on topics focused on food entrepreneurs starting or running a specialty food business, such as trends and new product launch. The FoodPreneur provides consulting and educational seminars to help food entrepreneurs create successful new product launches. As always, Celantano told us which eats and drinks made the biggest impression on him this year. His picks for the Most Memorable New Product Launches are:

1. KFC Go Cups

A new KFC on-the-go snack. Customers have five different options to choose from: Chicken Littles, Original Recipe Bites, Hot Wings, Original Recipe Boneless, or Extra Crispy Tenders. Each cup also comes with seasoned potato wedges. The meal is packaged to easily fit inside your car cup holder, which makes it easy to eat on the go.

Learn more: http://www.kfc.com/food/chicken/gocups.asp

2. McDonald’s McWrap

A 10-inch warm tortilla wrapped around chicken and vegetables. Customers can choose grilled or crispy chicken from three different flavors: Chicken and Bacon, Chicken and Ranch, or Sweet Chili Chicken. Designed to give people a new, healthier option that’s easy to eat.

Learn more: http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/promotions/premium_mcwrap.html

3. Chobani Bite

Blended 100 calorie Greek Yogurt that is available in six different flavors: Caramel with Pineapple Chunks, Coffee with Dark Chocolate Chips, Fig with Orange Zest, Honey Ginger, Mint with Dark Chocolate Chips, and Raspberry with Dark Chocolate Chips. A great source of protein made from all natural ingredients.

Learn more: http://chobani.com/products/

4. Barilla Microwavable Meals

Designed around busy professionals, Brilla Microwavable Meals can easily be made anywhere, at any time. These meals feature six different meal choices: Marinara Penne, Meat Sauce Gemelli, Spicy Marina Penne, Tomato and Basil Penne, Tomato and Whole Grain Penne, and Vegetable Marinara Whole Grain Fusilli. A chef-quality meal that’s ready in just one minute. Barilla Microwavable Meals are made with 100% natural ingredients, 10-11 grams of protein, and no preservatives.

Learn more: http://www.barilla.com/aggregator/product/1304

5. Ensure Clear

Ensure’s first non-shake product, designed to give customer’s more options. Ensure Clear is a refreshing fat-free drink filled with 21 essential vitamins and minerals. Ensure Clear is offered in two flavors: Blueberry Pomegranate and Peach Mixed Fruit, both holding 9 grams of protein and only 180 calories.

Learn more: http://ensure.com/products/ensure-clear

6. Dunkin Donuts Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich

“Going where no breakfast has gone.” A glazed donut holding together a peppered fried egg topped with bacon slices. This new product launch may follow in the footsteps of other “big indulgence” items like the KFC Double Down and make the MMNPL top 10!

Learn more: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/menu/food/sandwiches/breakfastsandwiches/Glazed_donut_breakfast_sandwich.html

7. Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto Re-Branding – “Happier Spoons”

Talenti Gelato and Sorbetto has a new look and feel. Along with modernizing its packaging, the company has created a new label – happy spoons, which are displayed on every container.  The new design shows the company’s simplicity and satisfaction that comes with every spoonful. They’ve also added four new flavors: Alphonso Mango, Argentine Caramel, Southern Butter Pecan, and German Chocolate Cake.

Learn more: https://talentigelato.com/

Dan Nessel Picks His Top 10 Toy Products of the Year

Over the course of his toy-loving career, Dan Nessel created DadDoes.com and has written over 350 toy reviews. His YouTube Channel, which offers hands-on, real world product reviews, has received over 8.5 million views alone. Nessel has also shared his views and opinions on numerous radio shows, writes the ‘Toys N Tech’ column for Grand Magazine, and – most importantly – knows how to say, “Where are the toys?” in 5 different languages. Now, he lets us in on which toys he thinks are the Most Memorable Product Launches of 2013.

1. Disney Infinity

Disney Infinity is an interactive video game that kids can play three different ways: online, connected to a video game console or on an iPad.  Kids get the magic of Disney at their fingertips as they unlock new characters and send them on adventures with new toys.

Learn more: https://infinity.disney.com/

2. Zoomer Pup – The Interactive Robotic Dog

A robotic pet that finally achieves the feeling of more pet than robot.  He blinks, he wags his tail, is trilingual and the more you play with Zoomer, the more tricks he learns and retains.

Learn more: http://www.daddoes.com/9213/review-zoomer-family-pet-dog/

3. Air Hogs Elite Helix X4

Air Hogs Elite Helix X4 is a remote-controlled stunt quad-copter that’s very fast and easily maneuverable.  Using the 4-channel controller, you can do three high-performance stunts: a flip,  barrel roll and 180-flip.

Learn more: http://www.airhogs.com/site/product/helix-x4-stunt

4. Playskool Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo

Big Hugs Elmo is a life size Elmo that encourages kids to use their imagination.  He really hugs back, and when preschoolers press his left foot, he asks them to play one of four imagination scenarios: astronauts, rabbits, frogs and horses.  He’ll dance and sing with the kids as well.

Learn more: http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?R=6743453A-5056-9047-F588-4A9BCD30BE28:en_US

5. Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow

New from Nerf, this bow encourages kids to exhibit strength and power.  It fires five foam darts up to 75 feet and is decorated in pink and purple feathers to appeal to the femininity of Nerf Rebelle girls.

Learn more: http://www.hasbro.com/rebelle/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=A50E1B3F-5056-9047-F5BE-348682F240BF:en_US

6. Leapfrog LeapPad Ultra

The perfect kid-friendly learning tablet, the LeapPad Ultra comes complete with 7” screen, Wi-Fi featuring kid-safe Web and a library of over 800 educational apps, games, eBooks, videos and more.  Kids can draw, write and play using the stylus or their fingers, as well as listen to music and take pictures.

Learn more: http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog/jump/LeapPad-Ultra-Learning-Tablet/productDetail/LeapPad-Ultra-Learning-Tablet-and-Bundles/33200/cat1380007?selectedColor=&selectedSize=&navAction=jump&navCount=0&categoryNav=false&medium=tsa&gclid=CNWOkYST9rkCFcqZ4AodNEcA1Q

7. Barbie Digital Makeover Mirror

A make-up free makeover tool for girls!  An iPad transforms the vanity frame into a mirror, allowing girls to select “makeup” options and apply the virtual makeup using the applicator.

Learn more: http://mattelbrandsmedia.com/product.php?category=0&product=110

8. Doc McStuffins Get Better Check Up Center

Exclusively sold at Toys’R’Us, this Checkup Center allows kids to use their imagination for healing toys and giving checkups.  Included are 27 separate pieces, such as x-rays that activate light and sound and an electronic “Big Book of Boo Boos” that aids in making a diagnosis.

Learn more: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24342656

9. HexBug Nano V2 Black Hole

This is a new “breed” of Nano V2 bugs that climbs vertically, horizontally, through loops and around corners.  The Black Hole enables kids to customize the layout of the three-story set, encouraging their creativity.

Learn more: http://www.hexbug.com/hexbug-nano-v2-black-hole.html

10. Flutterbye Fairies

Enchantment awaits as you unleash the fairies.  Each doll comes on a display stand; once the button is pressed, she dances in the air, her wings fluttering.  Placing a hand above or below her changes her height and direction.

Learn more: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/dolls-stuffed-animals/princess-fairy-dolls/flutterbye-pink-flying-flower-fairy-6020448-20219616

Product Launch Marketing: One is greater than 360

They say good things come to those who wait, and in the world of gaming, nothing holds truer. Nearly eight years after the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft launched its plans to release the brand new Xbox One this November. To call this device a gaming console would be an injustice, as it sports dozens of new interactive features that are sure to change home entertainment forever.

The sleek new design is complete with controllers and an updated version of Kinect to capture 1080p high-definition video, as well as improved body detection and recognition for interactive games and commands. While the main focus of the Xbox has been gaming since its release in 2001, Microsoft is now emphasizing the entertainment capabilities of the device. The One will be compatible with cable boxes, allowing gamers to watch TV through the device and also provides users with TV listings and personalized suggestions. Additionally, the console will have the ability to function while running applications such as Skype and Internet Explorer simultaneously. So theoretically, you can watch the big game and Skype with your friend halfway across the country as if he or she were in the room with you. The One will also include several remote capabilities, such as voice control and Microsoft’s Smartglass technology that will allow users to control the device through their phones or tablets.

Read more at the Schneider Associates blog.

Product Launch Marketing: Leap Motion Controller Helps Consumers Get Handsy

Anyone experienced enough with Xbox Kinect knows the fun of virtual motion control. Whether it’s a round of the latest dance craze or a game of virtual football, the technology has undoubtedly broken new ground when it comes to interacting with your favorite gadgets.

Enter Leap Motion’s Controller. Controlling your computer is as easy as waving your hands. This new product makes it easy to ditch that old mouse and keyboard in exchange for hands-free control of your favorite apps and games, all without ever touching a screen.

In a press release, Leap Motion co-founder and CEO Michael Buckwald describes his vision for the product: “Leap Motion enhances the computing experience to allow people to do things in new and better ways, and we’re committed to breaking down the barriers between people and technology to make the future more easily accessible.”

Read more at the Schneider Associates blog.