The V.Reader from VTech
Photo: VTech
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The popularity of eReaders is not reserved just for adults any more.
With the launch of their V.Reader which is targeted for kids aged 3 to 7, VTech’s mission is to bring books to life with pictures, sounds, and animations.
Similar to their MobiGo, which allows kids to learn by using a touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard, the V.Reader, the world's first animated e-book system for children, allows kids to learn reading comprehension, vocabulary, phonics by engaging them with vivid animation, narration, character voices, graphics, sounds and music.
Parents can then attach the V.Reader to their PC or Mac and update their account to keep a tab on their child’s progress.
Currently, there are 11 titles available that feature popular characters like Dora the Explorer, Shrek and Toy Story 3, with 100 additional stories will be available via a download library located on the VTech website.
Your Opinion Matters
By merging learning and fun, VTech has always been an innovator in the educational development of kids. But do you see this as an educational toy or a slippery slope into your child becoming gadget-dependent?
- Would you consider purchasing the V.Reader for your children?
- Do you see any benefits to this type of reader as opposed to allowing your kids to read eBooks on an iPad, iPhone, Kindle, nook or Kobo reader?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Resources
Toronto-area shoppers who are interested in test-driving VTech products for their kids can do so at:
- Future Shop: Toronto Store Locator
- Best Buy: Toronto Store Locator
- Toys R Us: Dufferin Mall (900 DUFFERIN STREET), Yonge & Eglinton (2300 YONGE STREET), TRU Express (EGLINTON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE)
Other shoppers can check their respective websites for locations.
V.Reader is available June 21st at Target, and nationwide in August at key retailers, www.amazon.com and www.vtechkids.com
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Comments
I think the number of titles is too limited to want to purchase this now.. plus the price is likely to come down like the kindle did.
As a publishing professional, I am constantly excited yet anxious about e-readers. However, in my experience children can get easily frustrated by computers: waiting for them to load, etc. A book from the library, while its pages are easily ripped, is quite kid-friendly, and so I doubt this kid-oriented e-reader will completely replace print books for children.
Speaking as a Kindle owner, the only thing that I am unhappy about with
it is the fact that the price dropped five months after I
bought it and it's now available at Target. As for kids and
e readers, I like the idea of textbooks being on one. I see too
many kids struggling under the weight of their backpacks.
When my son was younger he had this machine that read
the books out loud to him. Seems like they run about $20-30
at Wally World and Target. The books came in a pack of three
and were $20. That was fun for a short while. But until Leapfrog
can come up with a way to allow the device to grow with the reader
I.e. Go beyond 7 years, I don't think it will do as well.
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