Barbie Moves from Doll to MP3 Player

Apparently, plain dolls just aren't enough for kids these days. Mattel is introducing a new line of Barbie MP3 players that come with their own accessories and link up to the new Barbie Girls Web site - a virtual world of all-things Barbie that is currently in beta.

Mattel says the traditional Barbie doll is sticking around, but notes that among its target demographic, physical toys are becoming much less prevalent as kids spend ever more of their free time on the Web. Barbie is also facing competition from Bratz dolls, which have more appeal to older kids. The Barbie MP3 player will go on sale in July for $59.99, although the beta Web site is open now.