Social Networking for Kids?

As I get ready for work this morning, I had my TV on Cartoon Network (my favorite station), and I noticed a new product I hadn't seen before. They're called Miuchiz, and they come in three different styles:

• Bratz: These big-headed, stylish Bratz girls (from the doll line of the same name) are ready to shop and chat till they drop! (Yasmin, Chloe)
• Pawz: Cute and cuddly pets like dogs and cats need love, attention, and a chance to play! (Dash, Spike)
• Monsterz: Train and battle your favorite monster, compete in competitions, and prove your worthiness! (Inferno, Roc, Creeper)
  

Essentially, they are handheld units that resemble Tamagotchis (for those of us who remember them), but the format is more like a small handheld video game versus the traditional egg-shape of the past. So what do these Miuchiz do? You can train them in battle, care for them, shop at the stores, play games, and more! The handhelds have three different modes:

• 1-player mode: Train, feed, shop, play games, and care for your interactive digital friend
• 2-player mode: Wirelessly chat, trade gifts and items, and compete in games against each other
• Online-mode: Plug your Miuchiz Unit into your computer's USB port, go online (get your parents' permission of course), and visit Planet Mion! Each different type of Miuchiz have their own section of the planet, and once you've arrived, you can explore a 3D world, play games, chat with all the other Miuchiz friends, and download items to your handheld for later use. There also appears to be a common area of the planet where you can join forces, make friends, and enjoy everyone from the various Miuchiz character universe.
  

While these Miuchiz might be just a new fad in the digital companion universe, this is the first one I've seen touting the true interconnectivity to be with your friends online no matter where you are. They truly push and encourage the sense of an online community with these pets. As far as I can tell, the main difference between these Miuchiz handhelds is the avatars you can take care of, and the environment style that they exist in while they are contained within the handheld unit. I'm almost tempted to pick one up and see if they're worth the hype.

A quick look at online retailers like Target.Com, Amazon.Com, and ToysRUs.com, Walmart.com, shows that these units cost between $24.88-$29.99, and that each unit contains a specific character from the different Miuchiz lines (Monsterz, Pawz, Bratz). New characters should be released around January 2007. Purchasing/registering your handheld online entitles you to a free-year's subscription to all the Miuchiz content, and additional renewals and other items can be obtained for a small, undisclosed fee.

Does anyone have children or know of big kids like myself who might enjoy one of these, or be tempted to pick one up and see what the hype is about?