A smartwatch for children that combines a physical activity tracker with a tamagotchi-like virtual pet has been unveiled by kids’ tablet maker LeapFrog.
The so-called LeapBand is designed to encourage active play and healthy habits among 4 to 7 year olds. It features a built-in accelerometer, high-resolution colour screen, rechargeable battery, water-resistant design, and also doubles up as both a digital and analogue watch.
The child earns points by participating in up to 50 different physical activities and challenges. These points allow them to unlock additional games, challenges, levels and virtual rewards for their on-screen pet.
“We understand that helping a child reach their full potential not only includes helping them learn numbers and letters, but encouraging them to establish healthy habits and get the exercise they need every day through play,” said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog’s Learning Team.
“LeapBand takes inspiration from the growing trend of adult fitness wearable technology and makes it perfect for kids by bringing the fun and play of physical activities to life with their very own virtual pets.”
The LeapBand activity tracker comes with eight different customisable pets from LeapFrog’s Pet Pals franchise – a cat, dog, dragon, monkey, panda, penguin, robot and unicorn – which can be customised by colour and name.
Children can play 10 preloaded active games and challenges with access to 40 additional free challenges via the LeapFrog Connect website.
LeapBand activity challenges – such as ‘Walk like a crab’, ‘Spin like a helicopter’ and ‘Pop like popcorn’ – are designed to keep kids active by tapping into their own individual movements without any required equipment.
As they move and earn points, kids can unlock each of the additional eight pets and earn virtual toys for each of them.
The device connects to a website or app, where parents can monitor their kids’ activity and select from a list of physical challenges
The LeapBand activity tracker costs £29.99 and will be available in green, pink, blue and orange online and at major UK retailers in August 2014.
Fuente: Telegraph
