Ematic outs 7-inch FunTab Pro with ICS and a Zoodles mode for kids, available for $150
Even though the market's currently populated with slabs such as Archos' ChildPad or LeapFrog's LeaPad 2, the race to become the go-to child-friendly tablet could still be considered as wide open. Having previously introduced its FunTab for kids, Ematic's not exactly a newcomer to this territory, and this time out the company's looking to build on that with the announcement of a slightly more powerful "Pro" model. Inside the 7-inch, 800 x 480 FunTab Pro, parents and children alike will find an undisclosed 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM, a taste of Google's Ice Cream Sandwich and 8GB of onboard storage which can be expanded up to 32GB by way of microSD. Additionally, Ematic's placing emphasis on the built-in Zoodles features that "create a safe and educational online learning experience for children," plus the inclusion of pre-loaded apps like Skitch, School Assistant, Cut The Rope and none other than Angry Birds. The FunTab Pro will be available at Walmart (and other retailers) for $150 -- and, yes, that includes the colorful, interchangeable faceplates you see in the gallery below.
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EMATIC RELEASES FUNTAB PRO: A 7" ANDROID 4.0 CHILDREN'S TABLET POWERED BY THE AWARD-WINNING ZOODLES KIDS MODE
LOS ANGELES- October 8, 2012- It's an inescapable truth in this technologically advanced age: Kids love tablets. This statement can often make parents cringe as they visualize their child roughly playing with an expensive iPad or accessing content unsuitable for a young age group. Ematic, a leader in value tablets, took these concerns into great consideration, and designed a new, parent-approved tablet tailored to children. The 7" Android 4.0 FunTab Pro is sure to be a game-changer in the children's tablet market.
"Ematic teamed up with Zoodles Kids ModeTM to create a safe and educational online learning experience for children," says Roy Rayn, President of Ematic. "Zoodles is the top app for kids, and leads your child through every step of the interface with large buttons and vocal cues."
The look and feel of the FunTab Pro is perfect for kids with its rubberized texture and ergonomic design. The rubber coating offers a secure grip for the child, and the original shape fits perfectly in small hands.
Apps and Features
Some exciting features included on the FunTab Pro are Interactive Story Books, Video Mail, and an Art Studio. Interactive Story Books allow parents to make a video recording of themselves reading to the child using Zoodles.com or the device's built-in camera. Parents can also invite relatives to send a reading to the FunTab Pro using their own computer. The Video Mail feature allows invited family members to send short video messages to the FunTab Pro from Zoodles.com. The child can respond by recording their own message using the tablet's built-in camera. Art Studio encourages creativity and outside-the-box thinking as the child can make their own unique drawings without the mess of art supplies. Parents can view all of their children's masterpieces on Zoodles.com, and choose their favorites with a gold star.
Children can enjoy a bundle of fun games on the FunTab Pro including Angry Birds, Where's My Water?, Cut The Rope, Skitch, School Assistant, Fruit Ninja, educational apps from Intellijoy and much more. There's even a kid safe web browser full of kid-friendly content.
Zoodles.com
Parents can access Zoodles.com from any computer to track and control their child's activities on the FunTab Pro. It showcases educational progress, artwork, and the child's video messages. Parents also have the ability to customize their child's experience by promoting subjects, previewing and blocking content, and more.
Specifications
The FunTab Pro may be designed for children but it boasts adult-like specifications. Running on an Android 4.0 Operating System, the FunTab Pro is loaded with a 1GHz Processor with dedicated. The tablet comes with 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage, and a MicroSD Card slot allowing you to add an additional 32GB of storage. The FunTab Pro has a 7" 800x480 multi-touch screen, front and back cameras, and built-in WiFi. Its HD Video player supports up to 1080p HD videos. The tablet also features an HDMI output for connecting to your TV. Even with all of this, the FunTab Pro's battery provides up to 8 hours of continuous playtime.
The FunTab Pro retails for $149.99 at Walmart.com. You can customize your FunTab Pro with the included interchangeable faceplates which come in blue, pink and red.
About Ematic:
Ematic is a leader in portable media and value tablets offering high quality consumer electronics at an affordable price. Founded in 1985, the company offers a variety of technology ranging from designer headphones to MP3 players and tablets. Ematic prides itself on offering the latest in advanced technology that has undergone rigorous testing for quality, sturdiness and reliability.
About Zoodles:
Zoodles is comprised of a team of talented engineers, educational experts, and creative designers who build simple interfaces for kids. The product offers a fun and educational online experience for kids that also gives parents the information and control they want. It's a safe way to access the Web so a child can independently play and learn online.
