From radio expertise to system partnership: How ithinx supports two generations of the Toniebox
Innovation meets reliability: ithinx supports Tonies in the further development of the Toniebox – from radio technology to series production.
About Tonies
Founded in 2013, Tonies SE focuses on interactive audio experiences for children: With its colorful Toniebox, an audiovisual cube gadget, and over 1,300 figures (“Tonies”) to place on top, Tonies has created a globally distributed, screen-free audiobook and music platform for children.
The challenge
As the Toniebox grew in popularity, so did the technological requirements. Tonies wanted to continue developing its products while maintaining high wireless performance, stable connectivity, strict security requirements, and reliable series production readiness.
The focus was particularly on:
- Optimizing radio performance and range
- Ensuring the highest standards in battery and charging electronics
- International radio approvals and certifications
- Scalable testing and validation processes for series production
In addition, global supply chain problems exacerbated the situation: a central WiFi module was no longer available at short notice. Tonies needed a partner who could take on complex technical responsibilities and at the same time be flexible enough to resolve critical bottlenecks quickly and get the product ready for market.
Customized solution from ithinx
The collaboration between Tonies and ithinx developed over two product generations – from radio expertise to comprehensive system responsibility.
Toniebox – Focus on radio and antenna performance
Initially, ithinx provided Tonies with targeted support in the areas of high-frequency technology and certification:
- Antenna design, measurement, and optimization
- RF analysis and improvement of radio performance
- Support for international radio approvals
- Ensuring stable WiFi and Bluetooth communication
Toniebox 2 – Expansion to a system partnership
With the next generation of the Toniebox, ithinx’s role expanded significantly. The radio expert became a development partner at the system level.
Together with Tonies, ithinx took on responsibility for key areas of product development:
- Co-design of the hardware and software architecture
- Responsibility for the electronic hardware development of the Toniebox 2
- Development of the battery and charging electronics, including safety-related functions
- Implementation of essential embedded software components
- Bluetooth integration and support with certification
- Optimization of radio performance (range, reception, stability)
- Definition and implementation of development-accompanying test concepts
- Integration of the ithinx test framework into Tonies’ test processes
- Support with approvals for international target markets
- Development and supervision of production tests in cooperation with the series manufacturer
Response to changed market conditions
In the wake of global supply bottlenecks, it became necessary to adapt the WiFi solution used. ithinx supported Tonies in the development and integration of an alternative, market-ready solution so that product development could continue as planned.
Customized development services with ithinx
A standard solution does not always solve an individual problem. Based on our core competencies, we find the optimal setup for your requirements. Whether it’s hardware or software development, wireless protocols and integrations, or complete device networks, we accompany you from the initial idea to implementation and develop your individual application.
The result
The long-term partnership between Tonies and ithinx enabled stable technological development across two product generations.
The added value for Tonies:
- Stable and powerful wireless and Bluetooth communication
- Secure battery and charging electronics with high quality standards
- More efficient testing and faster certification processes
- Secured delivery capability despite global component shortages
- Expansion of internal expertise through close technical cooperation
- Development partnership at the system level – from radio expert to system architect
Feedback that convinces
„Our own market success presented a challenge that we could not overcome with our own resources alone. ithinx provided us with outstanding support during this time and played an important role in the recent hardware and software renewal measures.“
Dr. Christian Sprinkmeyer, Chief Product Officer, Tonies
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