Chew up the volume

It sounds like an old Gilligan’s Island episode: Candy that acts as a radio receiver so you can listen to your favorite FM station – in your head.

Hasbro’s Odds On division patented the “denta-mandibular technology,” although marketing shifted this year to the company’s Tiger Electronics unit, the Vernon Hills, IL, company that gave the world Furby. Pop Radio sends safe sound vibrations through a lollipop inserted in a Sound Bites holder. Bite down on the lollipop, and sound vibrations travel through the teeth to the inner ear and register as normal sounds. Sound Bites rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the candy charts when it was introduced last fall with musical sound effects and licensed character voices. Pop Radio goes one better with its FM capabilities. Pop Radio thismonth September with a national TV campaign starring Atlantic Records artists Hootie and the Blowfish, Sugar Ray, and Brandy. More information: Tiger Electronics, 847-913-8100 or tigertoys.com.