PBS KIDS Launches First Tablet Featuring Educational Content and Parental Controls
In partnership with Ematic, PBS KIDS launches the Playtime Pad, a
kidSAFE® Coppa-certified device that delivers high-quality videos and
games for kids, with integrated parent tools
ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PBS
KIDS, a leader in connected learning for children, today announced
the launch of its first tablet: the Playtime Pad. Produced by Ematic,
the 16 GB kids’ tablet provides a one-stop destination for PBS KIDS’
educational content, with more than 25 games and 120 video clips and
music videos pre-loaded, along with 100+ hours of video on the PBS KIDS
Video App. Other popular apps such as PBS KIDS ScratchJr and PBS Parents
Play and Learn are also included. The Playtime Pad features a
front-and-back camera and a Paint Box coloring app that encourages kids
to flex their creative skills. The tablet is kidSAFE® Coppa-certified,
and includes controls that enable parents to customize the device for
each of their children, set limits on screen time using a play timer and
manage what kids can access.
The debut of the Playtime Pad extends PBS KIDS’ work in the digital
space, which includes a robust collection of content, such as more than
30 learning apps and the award-winning pbskids.org,
which is the number-one individual site in the kids’ category for total
videos watched as well as total minutes spent viewing desktop video.1
Last year, PBS KIDS delivered more than five billion streams across
digital devices.2 Building on the many ways families can
engage with PBS KIDS anytime and anywhere, the number-one children’s
educational media brand will soon launch a free 24-hour channel and
livestream delivered by PBS member stations, which will be accessible
across platforms, including the Playtime Pad.
“PBS KIDS is continuously looking for new ways to engage children with
media that sparks their curiosity and fosters a love of learning,
supporting our mission to help all kids reach their potential,” said
Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s
Media and Education, PBS. “We know that families lead busy, on-the-go
lives, so we are excited to offer our high-quality, innovative content
on an affordable tablet that helps kids learn and explore with their
favorite PBS KIDS characters, whenever and wherever.”
“More and more, kids are using tablets to not only play their favorite
apps, but also watch their favorite shows,” said Roy Rayn, President,
Ematic. “Ematic recently surveyed3 parents and found that
almost half of them plan to purchase a tablet for their kids within the
next year, and almost all of them think it’s important that it has
pre-loaded educational content. With this in mind, we are excited to
partner with PBS KIDS on their first tablet. We at Ematic believe the
combination of PBS KIDS’ brand and educational content and our knowledge
of developing the best kids’ tablets is a powerful one. Parents who are
seeking a fun and engaging learning experience for their children will
find it in the Playtime Pad.”
One-hundred percent of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of
the PBS KIDS Playtime Pad will support PBS KIDS’ mission to empower
children to succeed in school and in life. The PBS KIDS Playtime Pad
will be available starting November 6 at Best Buy stores and on bestbuy.com
for $79.99, on walmart.com
and on shop.pbskids.org.
Playtime Pad Features:
- 100 hours of video on the award-winning PBS KIDS Video App
- 120 PBS KIDS video clips, songs and music videos
-
More than 25 ready-to-play fun and educational games from PBS KIDS
series - Parental controls
- Durable design
- Front-and-back camera
- Wi-Fi-ready
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all
children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through
television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen-
and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org
provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and
streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young
children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video app is available on a variety of
mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV,
Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific
PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom,
or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter
and Facebook.
About Ematic
Ematic’s innovative approach to providing superior technology in
portable media has continued to impress consumers since 1985. Built on a
solid foundation of technological advancement, our commitment to premier
quality and value has earned us the reputation of the top-selling brand
at Wal-Mart, QVC, Radio Shack, Tiger Direct and other fine retailers.
From eReaders to Android Tablets, Ematic offers a solid range of durable
electronic accessories with an undeniably low price. Ematic was the
proud manufacturer of the #1 selling kids tablet in 2015 in the USA
(NPD). Designed in California, all of our patented products are
customizable in a wide array of color options to suit your personal
style. In addition to an environmentally friendly office approach,
Ematic also supports the community by donating ten percent of our total
profits to charity.
1 Source: comScore Video Metrix Aug ’16.
2 Source:
Google Analytics Jan – Dec ’15.
3 Source: “Consumer
Behavior and Preference Study for the Tablet Category assessing key
content, brands, pricing and product features” by Marketing-Immersion;
1,000 participants surveyed.
Click
here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for PBS.
Contacts
PBS
Maria Vera, 703-739-3225
mvera@pbs.org
or
360
Public Relations
Allison Salzberg, 617-585-5793
asalzberg@360pr.com
