Game Review: PowerTouch Baby
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What Parents Should Know
This electronic book reader is so easy to play with because
it responds to the slightest touch of a baby. It always knows
what page the book is open to. Toddlers can flip a page to
touch something new on the next page, and the unit knows
exactly how to respond. This is a distinct advantage over
competitor Leapfrog's
LittleTouch LeapPad , where the unit needs to be cued
each time the page is turned.
Common Sense Media Review
This smart toy is a plastic platform measuring approximately
12 inches square, which holds tear- and water-resistance books
that respond to the baby's slightest touch.
PowerTouch Baby is a new addition to the growing genre of interactive book readers. The unit offers three ways to play: it reads the book aloud, it encourages the child to "explore" by touching pictures, and it offers a surprise when a requested object is touched. Babies or toddlers use their fingers to interact with PowerTouch Baby, and the unit will respond to the gentlest of touches.
PowerTouch Baby comes with one book: "Baby Animals." "Baby Animals" introduces youngsters to baby birds, squirrels, rabbits, kittens, and puppies. On each page, there is a tactile spot to touch which feels soft and fuzzy. The interaction also incorporates music -- over 100 songs. If the book is not in the platform, children will find pictures of instruments and a virtual xylophone with which to interact on the platform's surface.
There are currently five add-on books/software available: "Little People Farm," "I Know My Numbers," "I Know My Letters," "Cutie Bear's Colors," and "My Fuzzy Puppy." Each additional book/software retails for $15. Before interacting with an additional book, parents need to place the new accompanying software cartridge in the unit. The books introduce early learning concepts such as simple vocabulary, colors, letters, numbers, and more. All the books are interactive to touch, incorporate music, and also have tactile aspects. The books will read a story out loud and play find-the-object games with kids.
What makes this interactive book reader so good is that it can always tell what page the book is open to. Toddlers can flip a page to touch something new on the next page, and the unit knows exactly how to respond. This is a distinct advantage over competitor Leapfrog's LittleTouch LeapPad, where the unit needs to be cued each time the page is turned.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
