Google Patent Outlines ‘Smart Toys’ That Rule Your House With Iron Fist

Since its founding in 1998, Google has conquered a vast number of different markets. From search to email, phones to tablets, watches to thermostats, Google's achievements are admirable. So, what's next? Teddy bears, of course. Yup - Google has set its sights high, here.

Well, perhaps not a teddy bear, explicitly, as Google's latest patent is open-ended: "an anthropomorphic device, perhaps in the form factor of a doll or toy." An image pulled from the patent below can help answer some of our questions:

It appears Google wants to go the route of the Amazon Echo, but instead target kids. Equipped with various motors, microphones, speakers, and of course, cameras, Google's feature-rich toys could prove to be an interactive dream for children - and something entirely creepy for adults. The “connected” toys could even be used to control your television, Nest thermostats, lights, and even your audio equipment.

This isn't the first time a company has tried to create an interactive toy for kids. Recently, Barbie has gotten into the game, and thus far, many parents and privacy advocates are none-too-impressed. There's just something a bit unnerving knowing that a child's toy is feeding back information to a central hub, even recording what's being asked of it. How Google plans to put parents' minds at ease with their rightful security concerns, we'll have to wait and see. That assumes that this becomes a real, tangible product, and that the patent is approved, of course.