I discovered this little gem at the weekend. Not a dead parrot, not a live one either, but a talking, laughing interactive toy parrot.

Also not a cheap parrot – costs a good €80 (though much less in the States, what a surprise).

Now take a gander at those functions! Acts, speaks with more than 45 words, many phrases and sound effects, records your own phrases, is voice activated (train it to react to certain phrases), has a remote control function, reacts to movements, and more.

But if you ask me, this pretty polly is wasted on kids (according to websites, it’s suitable for kids 5 and upwards). Why the hell is it on sale in toy shops? The only kids who can make full use of its fun functions are teenagers, most of whom wouldn’t even be seen dead as a dodo in a shop full of cackling kiddies. Sell this product elsewhere!

It needs retargetting to a different group of customers and promoting through other outlets. In fact to exploit its full potential I reckon this would make a wonderful executive toy.

Interestingly, one of the very websites reviewing this prattling perch pooper (Squawkers UK) states: “We ordered one for the office and believe us you will howl hysterically with this for hours. When Squawkers talks and repeats what you say you will have tears streaming down your face just like in the song by Cold Play!”

Great product Fur Real, but sounds like others see it the same way: set your sights on a more affluent and imaginative target group, or soon this could be the stuff Monty Python sketches are made of.

Despite this: worth watching.