The smart money is on smart phones

Remote-controlled flying sharks and tiny helicopters are also heading for the festive stockings. Photo / Supplied

In the fickle, hyper-competitive world of technological gadgets, a new frontrunner has emerged.

While Apple products have previously dominated the growing Christmas market for electronic toys, a new smartphone is top of the tech wishlist this summer.

Auckland electronic stores say sales of the Samsung S2 phone are dwarfing other products. And the brand's newly released tablet version, the large-screened Galaxy Note is expected to sell just as fast.

Richard Clotworthy, owner of Parallel Imported in Auckland, said he was selling half a dozen of the Samsung devices every day. The Galaxy Note was already the best-selling phone in tech-obsessed Hong Kong.

The pervasiveness of smartphone technology was increasing, he said, with young people shying away from traditional toys towards electronic gadgets.

"Everyone is moving towards smartphones, across all generations, even kids getting cheap ones for the cheap messaging and Facebook. Everyone will have a smartphone in a year or so."

He expected the newest version of the iPhone and iPad to continue strong sales, but he felt Android-based technology was now a genuine challenger to Apple.

Geekzone founder Mauricio Freitas said he expected digital platforms such as Freeview and MySky to clock up huge sales this Christmas because of the phasing out of analog television from next year. That trend would probably fuel the purchase of flat-screen televisions.

Mr Freitas noted that remote-controlled devices were regaining popularity, partly due to the proliferation of cheap, tiny helicopters on daily deal websites.

By far the most popular of the remote-controlled devices was the air-swimming shark designed by an American student, which has sold tens of thousands worldwide and spawned numerous knock-offs.

The helium-filled creation of Stanford University teenager Blake English has picked up international toy awards, and can now be bought in New Zealand for around $50.

But for the gadget aficionado, Mr Freitas recommended the AR Drone, a sophisticated toy helicopter which could be remotely operated by iPad, and included a camera for navigation. The four-rotor, indoor and outdoor chopper costs $500.