APPLE STORES INTRODUCE NEW AUGMENTED REALITY CODING ROBOT FOR KIDS

Looking for a smart toy that brings virtual and hands on play together in a fun and educational way – one that sets it apart from the rest?

Introducing Botzees, the latest and greatest from Pai Technology, innovators that excel in pairing children’s growth through all stages with technology, science, and art to strengthen imagination, problem-solving, critical thinking, and healthy lifestyles.

Botzees is a new robotics kit for kids ages 4 and up that combines creativity, construction, and coding, all in one. Kids can build, program and code six different pre-designed robots or choose to create their own with the specially designed blocks that come with the kit.

Once built, Botzees can be taught to move, drum, dance, make sounds and light up using the free Botzees app. The kit’s 130 gender neutral, uniquely shaped, easy-to-grip blocks with rounded edges will inspire kids’ imagination with tactile, tangible hands-on learning. Additionally, the 30 interactive Augmented Reality puzzles will teach even more coding concepts with visual cues.

“We are tremendously excited to introduce a new way for younger children to enjoy the experience and benefits of coding,” said Amy Braun, Pai Technology’s Head of US Marketing and Communications. “Screen time is beneficial if used appropriately and we are happy to provide positive and physical STEM-focused products that do just that.”

Winner of the prestigious Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center, Botzees is available now for $99.99 in Apple Stores and Amazon. To learn more visit pai.technology/botzees.

The most important thing to be sure of is that your device is compatible. Compatible devices are attached. Then:

  1. Update to the latest software on your device (be sure it is android 8.0 or iOS 12)
  2. Close any other apps open on your device
  3. If you are using an android device you will need to download the AR core app
  4. Download the Botzees app

You should follow the instructions on the slip and can download the manual at www.pai.technology/botzeesmanual

Pai Technology combines the latest advancements in technology and research to make familyfriendly educational products. We are innovators that excel in pairing children’s growth through all stages with technology, science, and art to strengthen imagination, problem solving, critical thinking, and healthy lifestyles. Our products are innovative, creative, safe, and above all, fun! Learn more at www.pai.technology .

The BIRTHDAYKINS and The HUGGALOONS from Digiplush

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My son likes toys that he can play with on his tablet- while I don’t think there needs to be an app for every toy, a few here and there are cute.  This one celebrates your birthday with you, which is adorable.  For his birthday month, he tried out a BirthdayKins and Hugaloons toy, which he can cuddle as well as use to unlock premium parts and features in an otherwise free app.  My son’s favorite part of the game is making birthday cakes and knocking down pinatas- he also likes that it remembers when his birthday is.  It’s cute.

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The first brand launching under the new Digiplush venture is “BirthdayLand.” Everyone celebrates a birthday, and yet this unique special day has never been supported by characters or a mythology similar to other major holidays.  Until now.  Each time a child blows out a candle, their wish drifts up to BirthdayLand, the place where their wishes comes true.  According to the BirthdayLand legend, everything that makes a birthday celebration special comes from BirthdayLand, from the candles on a cake to the paper wrapped around birthday presents.  The adorable characters of BirthdayLand, the Birthdaykins and the Huggaloons, will be the first physical products to market.  They are currently available at Toys”R”Us.

pic5The Birthdaykins are delightful birthday-themed plush toys that retail for $12.99.  They are the cute characters in BirthdayLand, the place where birthday wishes come true.  The Birthdaykins are also featured in the BirthdayLand app, which is filled with fun-tastic birthday-related games and activities.  The purchase any of the Birthdaykins includes a code that unlocks premium features inside the BirthdayLand app.  The app is a free download in the iTunes store, Google Play and Amazon Apps.

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The Huggaloons are soft, lovable plush toys that resemble balloon animals that retail for $16.99. They are the special guides in BirthdayLand, the place where birthday wishes come true.  The Huggaloons are also featured in the BirthdayLand app, which is filled with fun-tastic birthday-related games and activities.  The purchase any of the Huggaloons includes a code that unlocks premium features inside the BirthdayLand app.  The app is a free download in the iTunes store, Google Play and Amazon Apps.

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The BirthdayLand app is a free download and features two free activities.  Additional free games and activities within the app can be unlocked using a code displayed on signage in Toys”R”Us stores.  The Birthdayland plush toys, The Birthdaykins and the Huggaloons, also feature secret codes that unlock two additional games within the app. The free download includes:

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  • “Balloon Pop” – spell words by finding letters inside floating balloons and placing them correctly in the word below.
  • “Birthday Countdown Clock” – countdown birthdays for up to 5 different family members, friends or pets — whoever has a birthday to remember and celebrate.

The remaining games and activities are unlocked by using the special code that comes with the purchase of a BirthdayLand toy, or by entering the special code printed on the in-store BirthdayLand display, both available at Toys”R”Us locations.

The app is appropriate for children ages 3-7.   www.birthdayland.com

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Kazaz – Great New App For Kids

It may sound like a 1960’s Batman phrase, but Kazaz is so much more then that. Kazaz is a new app which features a world of interactive stories presented in an animated format which combines sight, sound and touch to engage and promote learning. Available now,  Kazaz has three new stories- The Magic of Kazaz, I Am the Music Man, and The Story of Wooding. Each of which is a cute, interactive tale which can either last 10 minutes or an hour (or more) full of learning and fun. While reading, users will be able to find gems hidden throughout the story to unlock new animated segments and informational blurbs. The Magic of Kazaz is an orignal tale for the magical planet of Kazaz.  I am the Music Man is a sing along with the Music Man, which is full of hand clapping, toe tapping children’s songs; and last but not least, The Store of Wooding, the tale of a young swan who takes an exciting journey. What we liked about the app was ability to save your position and return to the story later. Not only is one save allowed, but also three so siblings can play without interrupting each others experiences.
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School Zone Little Scholar Tablet

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my reviews. All opinions are my own and honest.

A tablet entering the market has to do two difficult things, one is to be unique and two is to do something no one else does. If it doesn’t do these two things, there is a good chance of failure and a valueless product. Thankfully the new School Zone Little Scholar does just this, with the help of a ton of educational apps and Google Android 4.2.2. These apps are used to boost math, reading, spelling, and other skills in a creative playful way.

pic5School Zone may sound familiar to many parents as an educational product company of over 35 years. Products include workbooks, flashcards, and software. With this much experience under their belt, a tablet made by School Zone features just what you would hope it would- many education apps to help school aged scholars. The apps included feature the complete Start to Read! eBook series, music, songs, Charlie and Company video series and many more premium educational apps. Besides the ability of your children to use the app for education purposes. Parents can also track their progress using A+ Report, which lets parents know how much progress has been made in individual topics and curriculum. The total value of the apps included with the tablet is over $400 all of which can be chosen using the App Management Tool to properly tailor the tablet for you little one.

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Ematic Funtab Pro

 

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

Tablets can be great fun, if you know how to use them.  Kids are now exposed to a plethora of technology which previous generations could barely dream of and the best way to get them into the swing of things is by letting them use them.   The issue being most tablets are sensitive pieces of electronics.  So what is a parent to do?

tablet for kids

Well Ematic has an idea, a kid friendly tablet made just for kids with parents in mind called the Funtab Pro.

The Funtab has tons of features to help ease you into letting your kids use a tablet for learning or play.  Some of these features are the award winning Zoodles for Kids interface which keeps kids safe and parent traceable online and off while still giving them the freedom and ability to use their new tablet.  Not only is Zoodles an option but also a fully unlocked tablet is accessible for parents or kids if you so wish.
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