LeapBand Activity Tracker
© 2014 Leapfrog
Combine a Fitbit, Tamagotchi and a Leapster into a single device, and you get LeapBand ($40, LeapFrog, coming August 2014), part of a new generation of wearable technology headed toward your child's wrist (see also the Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch, with camera and video functions). And, despite the fact that Leapfrog doesn't like you to call it a smart watch, it can tell you the time. Leapfrog promises three ways to play: motion-based games with an accelerometer; a virtual life game; and learning games. There is also a silent mode that can be setup in advance for bedtime or school hours. The rechargeable "softshell" lithium battery powers the color 1.4 inch 128x128 resolution screen for "3 to 5 days." You can recharge by connecting to a laptop, which also lets you download additional games from the LeapFrog Connect store. The waterproof device has 4 MB of SPI Flash memory, a watch-like silicone band that can be adjusted, and an onboard accelerometer. Content includes 14 activity challenges (e.g., jump like a frog), three learning games and a virtual pet simulator. The pet can jump to another device (LeapPad Ultra, Android and iOS) by way of an app called The Petathlon. The pets come from LeapFrog's Pet Pals franchise. There's a cat, dog, dragon, monkey, panda, penguin, robot and unicorn. Available in three colors (pink, blue or green), LeapBand is a connected device that requires a wire to charge, download content or upload activity information to other apps. There is no bluetooth, and the device does not have a touch screen. More information at http://www.leapfrog.com/leapband.
$40, LeapPad Ultra, Mac or Windows computer via Leapfrog Connect, IOS and Android
Teaches: movement, motion, kinesthetic, exercise