As a PBS Kids VIP (Very Involved Parent) I get the latest news on all things PBS Kids. This newest but of information is pretty cool. It is cool because of the technology involved and as a parent I like the idea of there being a Kid friendly streaming service. I also like that there is a non wi-fi aspect to this streaming stick. This is something that I know Andrew would really get excited about. He has been watching a ton of ODD SQUAD lately and he’s even applying what he’s learned to the real world. We went to dinner the other night and we split a pizza. It was cut into 8 pieces. He explained how we each got 4 eighths or one half. He updated the status of the pizza through the meal. I was very impressed and I know it was because of his exposure to ODD SQUAD. Below is the official press release on the device and all the technical specs you will want to know.
PBS KIDS Announces PBS KIDS PLUG & PLAY™, The First Kids’ Television and Playtime Streaming Stick
In partnership with Ematic, the kidSAFE® Coppa-certified PBS KIDS Plug & Play lets families access educational content anywhere – no Wi-Fi needed – with sing-alongs, games, streaming videos and more.
PBS KIDS, the leader in children’s educational media, today announced a new way for families to access educational content wherever they go with the launch of the PBS KIDS Plug & Play. The first kids’ TV and playtime streaming stick, PBS KIDS Plug & Play provides a one-stop destination for a variety of PBS KIDS educational content. Pre-loaded with sing-alongs, exclusive games and other original content that can all be accessed without Wi-Fi, PBS KIDS Plug & Play transforms any TV into an interactive, safe, educational playtime experience.
When connected to Wi-Fi, the PBS KIDS Plug & Play’s features expand, offering free access to PBS KIDS’ new 24/7 channel and live stream in partnership with local PBS stations, as well as more than 100 hours of on-demand videos, with no subscriptions required. Fresh content, including new videos, special seasonal content and more, is also added regularly at no additional cost.
PBS KIDS Plug & Play looks like a toy racecar and comes with a child-friendly remote. When plugged in, the device provides PBS KIDS’ dynamic content, creating an interactive family room experience. PBS KIDS Plug & Play can be used at home, on family vacations, trips to visit the grandparents and more – anywhere there is a TV – making it easy for families to play and learn together. In a recent study of parents of children ages 2-6, 89 percent of parents reported they watch TV together as a family and 74 percent were in favor of anytime access to educational programming. Those surveyed also ranked PBS KIDS as the best use of family screen time.1
“We know families are busy and on-the-go, and value spending time together whenever they can,” said Dawn Ciccone, Vice President, Brand Licensing, PBS. “We have also learned from research that when parents are engaged with their children in activities related to their favorite TV shows or games, children learn more. PBS KIDS Plug & Play furthers PBS KIDS’ mission of providing high-quality, educational content for children anytime, anywhere, turning any TV into an interactive and fun learning resource.”
PBS KIDS has partnered with Ematic, a leading innovator in children’s educational and entertainment tech products, to develop PBS KIDS Plug & Play. PBS KIDS and Ematic also recently partnered on the PBS KIDS Playtime Pad, an educational children’s tablet that launched last year.
“It was an honor to develop such an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art product for children in partnership with PBS KIDS,” said Roy Rayn, President, Ematic.”The PBS KIDS Plug & Play streaming stick is a testament to the great commitment our two organizations have to delivering entertaining and educational content to kids wherever they may be.”
One hundred percent of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of the PBS KIDS Plug & Play will support PBS KIDS’ mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life. The PBS KIDS Plug & Play is now available for the suggested retail price of $49.99 on walmart.com and will be available in Walmart stores nationwide by May 24. It will be available in various other retail locations later this year.
PBS KIDS Plug & Play Features
- 100+ hours of PBS KIDS videos, sing-alongs, exclusive games and more
- New, original PBS KIDS games, including:
- Rail Riders – find special cargo and treasures
- Sound Box – experiment with music and sounds
- Road Trip Adventure – learn about shapes and colors
- New PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream
- Access to new videos and special seasonal content throughout the year
- 1GB Memory
- 16GB Flash Storage
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-Ready
- Micro USB and SD Cart Slots
- Micro USB Cable
- HDMI Extension Cord
- 5V/2A Power Supply
- 2 AAA Batteries
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, the innovator in children’s educational and entertainment tech products, employs a breakthrough approach in providing superior technology in portable media that 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, Toys R Us, Best Buy and other fine retailers. From Portable DVD Players to Android Tablets, Ematic offers a solid range of durable electronics with an undeniable 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] The survey of 1,004 parents of children ages 2-6 was conducted November 30 – December 15, 2016, by Maru/Matchbox. Parents completed the survey online. The survey base is representative of TV-viewing households with young children with regards to household income and ethnicity.