A producer of children’s toys is moving with the times by introducing a new device aimed at youngsters. LeapFrog has long been a producer of toys and games and now it has unveiled the Leapster Explorer.

The offering will be able to perform a number of hi-tech functions, including running video, 3-D graphics and Flash-based games.

On July 12th, the product will be launched with 12 games available for children to get stuck into, as well as 18 Leaplet Learning Apps.

Commenting on the move, chief executive of LeapFrog Bill Chiasson said: “The new digital apps era is underway and we want to apply that technology to our line of educational products. This is the first product in a platform that will have broader uses,” VentureBeat reports.

It added: “In the making for 18 months, the Explorer is the biggest product launch for the company since it launched the Leapster 2 handheld in 2008.”

According to the news source, the educational toys – which are aimed at children aged between four and nine – are an effort by the company to “keep up with the times”. It noted that Apple has the iPod Touch, which is “extremely popular” with youngsters because there are many applications and games that can be used on it.

An international firm with operations in countries including Canada, the US and the UK, Leapfrog describes itself as a designer, developer and marketer of technology-based educational products.

The company professes to focus on producing offerings that are effective learning experiences for all ages in school or at home. Its portfolio includes education books and handheld games.

VentureBeat claimed that LeapFrog is “one of the few” device makers that has a “long track record in creating educational games that are fun for kids and pleasing to parents”. It knows how to keep children engaged in educational content, the source suggested.

The closure of a toy shop in Whitton will be “sad day”, it has been suggested. Writing in the Richmond and Twickenham Times, Joanna Kilvington said the high street Papillon is located on will not be the same when it is no longer trading.

Owner of the retail outlet Robert Charrington is shutting down after 25 years in south-west London and he revealed it was a hard decision to make.

Describing the toy shop, Ms Kilvington said it is a “much-loved independent store”. She added that its closure will not be welcomed by local “children, parents and the 20-somethings of today who, like me, will see it as an end to our childhood”.

Papillion is due to cease trading in the next few weeks. It was originally opened in 1985 by Mr Charrington and it was his second venture selling children’s toys. His first outlet was opened when he reached the tender age of 21 and he has been in the business ever since.

Commenting on his reasons for leaving the market, the game enthusiast remarked: “My head and my heart are disagreeing, but I’m having to listen to my head. I have customers who came when they were ten and are now 35 and bringing in their own children.”

According to the expert, there are a number of toys that have remained popular throughout the decades. For example, Lego, Sylvanian Families and Thomas the Tank-Engine tend to go down well with youngsters.

Mr Charrington’s personal favourites, however, are Matchbox cars and such is his love for the miniature vehicles that he has developed another business which focussing on creating die-cast motors.

Despite being resolute in his decision to shut his toy shop, he did reveal that he will feel a sense of loss after leaving. He stated: “It is a sad time when you close the doors. I will be very sad to leave the high street.”