Asus and Disney Announce Disney Netpal – Netbook for Kids
Written on Jun 16, 2009 by Brian and filed under Disney, Featured, News
Asus more or less invented the current category of lightweight, low-cost portable computers called Netbooks. Disney and Asus have partnered to make the Disney Netpal, a kid-friendly portable computer. The Disney Netpal features more than 40 parental control options, an 8.9″ display, WiFi, Windows XP Home, and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters. The Netpal will hit retail in July and will start at $349.99.
Smart-e-Bear and Friends Gets Software Update, New Free Games
Written on Mar 21, 2009 by Brian and filed under Intellitoys
When we reviewed Smart-e-Bear and Friends, we liked the idea but held back because the software was difficult to use and the free content was limited. We did like that the platform could be updated though and that’s what has happened. Intellitoys has released a new software update for the computer that will make it easier to manage Playdates and Playlists. They have also released more content, including a few free games.
Review: WowWee BladeStar
Written on Mar 16, 2009 by Thomas S. and filed under Reviews, WowWee
The WowWee BladeStar is a remote controlled helicopter designed for manual or assisted flight indoors. The BladeStar uses special sensors to automatically detect ceilings, floors, and walls to fly around obstacles without much user input. Powered off an internal battery that recharges through the remote for quick bursts of flying fun, the BladeStar needs little maintenance on a day to day basis.
First Thoughts: Digital Blue Night Vision Digital Video Camera
Written on Mar 12, 2009 by Brian and filed under Digital Blue, Reviews
Digital Blue has been on a tear this year, announcing all kinds of fun kids optical devices. We’ve been working with their Night Vision digital video camera which uses Infrared to let kids take pictures and video in the dark. While it’s designed for kids, there’s no doubt parents, especially the geeky types like me, will have fun here too.
Review: Green Eggs and Ham for Tag Reading System
Written on Mar 7, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, Reviews
In late January LeapFrog announced several new books to extend the Tag Reading System platform. One of the new releases is a kid’s classic, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. We love the Tag Reading System and the Dr. Seuss classics; this latest book release makes for the perfect combination.
Best Tech Toys of Toy Fair 2009
Written on Mar 3, 2009 by Brian and filed under News
We published 16 articles from Toy Fair 2009 covering dozens of new kid’s tech toys. Unfortunately we’ll all have to wait until the fall for most of these products, though some will trickle out this spring and summer. While we collectively wait though, KidsTechReview.com would like to officially crown our favorite tech toys from the show so you can start mapping out your Holiday spend now!
Review: LeapFrog Crammer
Written on Feb 26, 2009 by Steve and filed under LeapFrog, Reviews
The LeapFrog Crammer is a “study and sound system”. Aimed at kids between 8 and 14 years old, the Crammer provides a way to study and simultaneously listen to your favorite studying tunes. It’s a straight-forward and intuitive device that can absolutely replace a multitude of flash-card decks, but is it cool enough to take a significant portion of a child’s gadget time?
Star Wars Jedi Reading for Leapster2 Now Available
Written on Feb 25, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, News
Earlier this month LeapFrog announced a bunch of new games for the Leapster2 and Didj gaming systems. The first of eight new Leapster2 games has been released and is now available for purchase. Kids can now brush up on their reading skills, “Jedi Style” with Star Wars Jedi Reading.
Six New Games for Vtech V-Motion Released
Written on Feb 24, 2009 by Brian and filed under News, VTech
About a month ago we broke the news about Vtech’s latest games for the V-Motion system. Now they’ve formally announced the first six games with ten more to be released throughout the year. The first six include: Little Einsteins, Ni Hao Kai Lan, NASCAR, Soccer Challenge, Wild Waves and Snow Park Extreme.
Hasbro Announces Remote Control Flying Star Wars Vehicles
Written on Feb 23, 2009 by Brian and filed under Hasbro, News
While Mattel/Tyco announced a set of Star Trek remote control flying ships at Toy Fair, Hasbro was busy with two Star Wars branded fliers. The dual-rotor foam-bodied units will be released in two models initially, a Delta Starfighter and Republic Gunship.
New Learning Toys and Games from Learning Resources Announced
Written on Feb 23, 2009 by Brian and filed under Learning Resources, News
Learning Resources announced several new games and learning toys at Toy Fair this year. We saw them in action and came away pretty impressed. The focus is on learning and the toys accomplish that goal while being fun for both kids and families. Games like Funny Phone Early Listening Game and Number Knockout Electronic Math Game are just a few examples of electronic games that engage and entertain children while they learn.