Crayola DigiTools Deluxe Pack
© 2012 Crayola, LLC
Next month the company that means coloring -- Crayola, will try to redefine the word for the digital age despite having a mixed record of bringing wax-like simplicity to the screen-age. Case in point: the sluggish iMarker, the battery powered stylus released during the early days of the iPad. This time, Crayola has again partnered with Griffith Technology to make DigiTools (http://www.crayola.com/digitools), consisting of a set of physical coloring tools that includes 3D glasses, your iPad and three apps. The business strategy behind DigiTools is becoming common: to offer a free app that won't work unless unlocked with something you buy, in this case, one of the three themed bundles for $20 each, or the Deluxe Pack for $40, that will be in toy stores in two weeks. The Deluxe Pack includes: 3 apps - Crayola Effects, Crayola 3D, and Crayola Airbrush; a clip-on carrying case; digital crayon; digital airbrush; digital 3D Stylus; digital stamper; and 3D glasses. From your iPad's point of view, each of the eight tools has a unique fingerprint, provided by capacitive feet. That's how it knows the difference between the airbrush, a sticker stamp or the Digital 3-D Stylus, which lets you doodle in 3D providing you're wearing the included glasses. Like any tablet stylus, the tools transfer energy from your hand to the screen, so no batteries are required. Because specific functions like air brushing or stamping are paired directly with each tool, things do seem easier to use. Plus, it's possible to save your coloring page and share it on Grandma's Facebook page. If she likes, she could download the image, print it and stick it on her fridge, just like the good old days.
$40, iPad
Teaches: art, creativity