Tag Archives: kids

myFirst: Real tech solutions for kids in a grown-up world @ CES 2024



myFirst kids' tech productsIn today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in our lives, and it has become an integral part of our daily routines. However, the benefits and opportunities offered by technology should not be limited to adults only. Children, too, deserve access to real tech that empowers them to explore, learn, and create. myFirst has embraced this reality and developed tech products that are fully functional but designed for kids.

The birth of myFirst

myFirst is a company dedicated to creating a kids’ tech ecosystem. The inspiration behind this venture was the realization that there was a gap in the market for real technology designed specifically for children. The founders, who were tech-savvy individuals themselves, embarked on a mission to empower kids by providing them with devices, apps, and a social platform that mirrors what adults can do with technology.

Kid-friendly camera with social sharing

One of the innovative products offered by myFirst is a kid-friendly camera with social sharing capabilities. This camera is designed specifically for children, with a focus on simplicity, durability, and safety. The company understands that children have unique needs and considerations when it comes to technology, and they have created a camera that addresses these needs effectively.

The camera is lightweight and easy to use, with simple buttons and a user-friendly interface. This ensures that children can operate the camera without confusion or frustration. Additionally, the camera is built to withstand the rough handling that is often associated with children. It is robustly built and durable, making it suitable for active kids who may drop or throw it unintentionally.

One of the standout features of this camera is its social sharing capabilities. Children can choose which photos they want to share on social media platforms, giving them control over their digital presence. The camera automatically syncs photos to both the SD card and the cloud, allowing for easy access and sharing. This feature encourages children to engage responsibly with social media and teaches them the importance of privacy and consent.

In terms of pricing, the camera is reasonably priced at around $100 US. This makes it accessible to a wide range of families and ensures that quality technology is not limited to adults. myFirst understands the importance of affordability when it comes to empowering children with tech devices, and they have made it a priority to offer their products at a reasonable price point.

The camera is designed to be cloud-based, meaning that it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity for storage and access. While the camera itself may have limited storage capacity, the cloud-based system allows for easy uploading and access to photos. This ensures that children can capture and store as many memories as they want without worrying about running out of space.

A Smartphone with smart limitations

myFirst also offers a wearable smartphone for kids, which is 4G driven and allows for even more connectivity and functionality. The smartphone is designed to be durable and waterproof, making it suitable for active kids who may engage in water-related activities. The smartphone operates on an eSIM, eliminating the need for an open hole and ensuring that it is water-resistant.

In terms of connectivity and plans, myFirst has partnered with AT&T to offer a $12 per month plan that includes unlimited data and calls. This allows parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child’s connectivity needs are taken care of without any additional costs or limitations.

Empowering features and parental control

myFirst’s devices are accompanied by a social platform that allows children to connect with their peers and share their creations. However, the company recognizes the importance of parental intervention and provides robust parental control features. Parents have control over who can contact their child and can moderate the content their child sees. This ensures a safe and secure online environment for children while still allowing them the freedom to explore and connect with others within predetermined circles of trust.

The social media platform associated with the camera and smartphone can be accessed through the smartwatch or downloaded as an app on Apple or Android devices. This allows children to engage with the platform using devices they may already have, such as smartphones or tablets. Parents have control over their child’s account and can determine how much information is shared, ensuring privacy and safety.

The importance of empowering children through real technology

The concept of “real tech for kids’ empowerment” holds significant importance in today’s society. Empowering children with age-appropriate technology not only enhances their digital literacy but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By providing children with real tech devices, they can actively participate in the digital world, learn about technology’s potential, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the future.

The response to myFirst’s products has been positive, with a strong presence in North Asia and a growing interest in the US market. The company’s commitment to quality, durability, and affordability has resonated with parents and children alike, making them a trusted brand in the industry.

Conclusion: A safe, fun, appropriate approach to tech for kids

myFirst’s commitment to providing real tech for kids’ empowerment is a commendable initiative in the tech industry. By bridging the gap between adult-oriented technology and children’s needs, the company enables children to explore their potential, express their creativity, and engage responsibly with technology.

Empowering children with real tech devices and a safe social platform not only prepares them for the digital future but also allows them to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving world of technology. By providing a safe and user-friendly platform for children to engage with technology and social media, myFirst is empowering the next generation to become responsible digital citizens. Their commitment to quality and affordability ensures that children from all backgrounds can benefit from their innovative products.

To learn more about myFirst or to purchase one of their products, head to their website or check out their Amazon store.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Shower Power Buddies make shower time fun for kids @ CES 2023



Ampere Shower Power BuddiesDo you remember bath time as a kid? You got to be mostly alone in the bathtub with bubbles and toys. It was a great time for pretend – instead of just holding a boat in the bath, you can pretend that you are the captain of the boat. But, as we grow up, that bath time ends and is replaced by a shower, because we need a better cleansing process. But, the fun gets lost along with bath time. However, Ampere wants to bring that fun from the bath to the shower with the Shower Power Buddies.

What is the Shower Power?

The Shower Power line is a line of products for the shower. These devices fit behind your showerhead and function as Bluetooth speakers. The speaker is powered entirely by the water flowing through the device, meaning that you’ll have full sound while taking a shower.

Some models improve on this concept in several ways. The Shower Power Pro, for example, adds lighting to the speaker. So, in addition to the music or podcasts, you can also get a light show as part of your shower experience. The company’s line of shower products is definitely intended to focus on bringing a fun atmosphere to a normal, boring shower.

What makes Shower Power Buddies different?

Shower Power Buddies are an evolution of the company’s previous Shower Power products. They expand on the concept of making a shower more fun while placing a bigger emphasis on kids. In addition to the lights and Bluetooth speaker, these new products add fun characters to the mix.

The goal, of course, is to try to bring some of the playtime fun from bath time into the shower. Trying to get kids to transition from baths to showers can be a real challenge, as kids prefer the simpler and more fun bath. But, it’s important to get kids to make the change, and have a way to continue the fun.

The Shower Power Buddies will launch with a selection of characters, including a narwhal, a fish, and a rubber ducky. There is an obvious theme here, as all of the launch characters are water themed. The connection is clear and purposeful since the product is supposed to be a transitional item from bath to shower. In the bath, the kids are used to toys, such as a rubber ducky.

In addition to the characters, the Shower Power Buddies also separate themselves from the rest of the line by being a completely integrated showerhead. This is so that the shower toy, which is the product, will be in the kid’s hands as they take their shower if they remove it from the wall. It’s a more fun experience and a better way to get clean.

Summary

The existing line of Shower Power products, including the Shower Power and Shower Power Pro are available now. The Shower Power is available for $99. The Shower Power Pro is available for $149. The newest entry in the line, the Shower Power Buddies, will be available in the second quarter of 2023 and will retail for around $149. To learn more about the company and its full product line, check out their website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Toniebox makes story and music time easier for young kids @ CES 2023



tonies kids' smart speakerChildren enjoy music and stories, but younger kids need help. Things like CDs or even streaming services require too much interaction and knowledge – plus they usually require a screen. This is where the Toniebox comes in, producing a smart speaker that allows kids to listen to music and stories on their own in a safe and easy way.

What is the Toniebox?

It’s an innovative audio system designed specifically for little listeners. With its soft, rugged construction and low-maintenance charging, Toniebox is the perfect companion for your child’s music adventures. It also comes with a select compilation of traditional children’s songs preloaded, so there’s no need to search through endless libraries of music!

Just turn it on and pop a Tonie on top, and your child can be off to explore the audio world! With its long-lasting battery life of up to 7 hours, you can be sure that Toniebox will keep kids entertained all day long. So, set your little ones free with this speaker – they’ll love it!

The Toniebox is a fantastic way to introduce children to music, stories, and sound effects in an interactive and engaging format. Get your kids’ imagination running wild with this fun and an easy-to-use audio system!

How does the Toniebox work?

Simply turn on the Toniebox and pop a Tonie on top. The device then automatically starts playing audio content from the chosen Tonie. If this is the first time that the Tonie has been placed on the box, it will go out to the internet and download the associated audio file. This means that you’ll need to be connected to the internet the first time you use a new Tonie. After that, the audio is stored on the Toniebox for future listening. In fact, the speaker has the ability to hold around 100 audio files and has an algorithm to determine what to remove based on how frequently and recently a Tonie has been used.

When your child is done listening, just take off the Tonie and the Toniebox will power down automatically. With its easy-on, easy-off charging system, you can be sure that your Toniebox is always ready for those long listening sessions. This makes it easy for the kid to use the box and not have to worry so much about charging.

What audio is available?

There are some great options available, including children’s songs, stories, and sound effects – so there’s something for everyone! The company produces a variety of Tonies based on existing and original characters. These characters include everything from Sesame Street to Disney to Peter Rabbit. Some of these Tonies have licensed content that already exists, while others have original content.

For example, the company has worked directly with the voice actors for several Sesame Street voice actors in order to create exclusive stories within the Sesame Street experience. The company also has its own characters available. This allows them to expand the offering beyond just licensing.

Summary

The Toniebox is currently available in several various markets. The starter sets run $100 which includes the Toniebox and a variety of Tonies depending on the set. Additional Tonies are available generally running at $15. Some of the more unique Tonies, such as the nightlight, cost more. To learn more about Tonies and the Toniebox, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Modular Robotics Makes Playing with Robots Fun for All Ages



Modular Robotics Cubelets
Modular Robotics’ Cubelets in robot form
A walk around Eureka Park at CES will always lead you to something new and exciting that will make you literally want to put your hands on it. Modular Robotics was no exception, as their namesake product allowed us to do just that. The company has created a line of blocks that all have little computer chips inside them that allow them to act and react to each other. Using blocks such as sensors, rollers, blinking lights, motors and more, you can build any type of creation you want, and then even program the blocks yourself to do things you want it to do. These cool gadgets are for ages 6-60 and are a great stocking stuffer or birthday present for anyone, young or old. You’ll want to see what we created in the video.

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Video by Nicholas DiMeo of F5 Live.


More Mileage From Your Old iPad



d-red logoMounting an older iPad in a customized frame is a great way to extend the life of the device and at the same time provide a toddler with a unique toy that builds all sorts of skills. Building skills in numbers and letters, learning to draw, or just having fun, this is a sure fire way to keep little kids engaged for hours of constructive play. d-Redshop has developed an entire family of custom apps for the iPad that can be built into the frame, and then connected via Bluetooth. The company has a number of iOS based products. The toy applications are found at MyLearnToys.com.
TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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United Healthcare Puts Dance Revolution in Schools



Dance, Dance Revolution Classroom Edition
Dance, Dance Revolution Classroom Edition

Kids need to dance and play. We’ll find out what United Healthcare is doing about that in this report from CES 2013 in Las Vegas.

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Brian Landwehr, Director of Innovation and R&D for United Healthcare chats with Jamie Davis about the latest initiative to combat childhood obesity from United Healthcare. They are funding a pilot program for multiplayer, school based versions of the popular dancing video game, Dance, Dance Revolution. It’s already changing lives for the better.

United Healthcare is partnering with Konami, makers of the popular dance game, to bring the classroom version of Dance, Dance Revolution to a number of schools that already have a relationship for health curriculum with United Healthcare. This type of initiative can have a positive effect on the whole family and, indeed, the community.

Healthcare Changes One (Dance) Step at a Time

Healthcare systems can reach out to people where they are and find ways to innovate in order to encourage and promote fit activities and behaviors. Kids are already playing video games. How do we take those existing activities and make them more health focused? Helping people become fit through activities in which they already participate helps create habits and lifestyle changes that will last throughout the patient’s lifetime.

Video by Jamie Davis, the Podmedic from Health Tech Weekly (HTWeekly.com).


Toon Boom Animation: Doodle Animation on the iPad



Animation App from the Pros

For the past 18 years, Toon Boom has been the automation software behind much of the animation by Disney and famous animated series – including Sponge Bob and the Simpsons. Vector based graphics delivers a very high level of quality that is now available to consumers on mobile devices. With an entry price of $29 on the ipad, it’s an introduction to animation tools that’s affordable and fun.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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Kidz Gear Volume Limiting Headphones



Volume Limiting Headphones

CES regular Jack Peterson talks with Todd and Don on the latest headphones for children from Kidz Gear.

Kidz Gear produces headphones with smaller headbands and ear cups to fit the smaller heads of children. This year they’ve brought to the market new wired headphones that have a built-in volume limiter that prevents children’s hearing becoming damaged through excessive sound levels. The headphones reduce the maximum sound level by about 20% into the 80-95 decibel range.

The new headphones are compatible with the iPad, iPhone and iPod ranges and include an inline remote and mic control. They’re available from the Apple Store or direct from Kidz Gear for $29.99.

An additional new product in the same vein is a volume limit cable which can be added to already-purchased headphones to make them safer for children. Priced at only $9.99, there’s currently a special price of $5.99 showing on-line.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor for the TechPodcast Network.

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