One app we didn’t get to test all that much but I can definitely see the benefit is the Chore List. You create a list of chores that are checked off as your child completes them — the Chore List app is tied directly to the Treasure Box, a reward system that lets a parent set rewards that consist of additional apps that can be installed on the Nabi 2. Some apps are free, but most cost a certain number of coins — these coins are earned by completing chores. And there are four different levels of apps, divided over four jewel levels. For example, at the lowest jewel level, Sapphire, all the apps are free. Emerald level apps are around 70 coins, and these apps are not as complex or involved as the Ruby and Diamond apps (that can run around 100 to 200 coins, respectively). We didn’t get a chance to take the Chore List and Treasure Box apps for a test spin, but a quick look over the various reward apps tells me that they are excellent incentives.
Two apps that we got to test and that I believe to be quite nicely done are the Spinlets+ TV and the Spinlets+ Music. These are subscription-based apps (first 30-day access is free) and they provide both streaming video and music. These are kid-friendly movies and cartoon episodes that probably won’t give any parent any hesitations. I saw Adventures of Sonic cartoons, Legend of Zelda flicks, Paddington Bear, Madeline, Inspector Gadget, The Littles, and much more. Video can also be accessed by age and genre — I saw SciFi, Comedy, PreK, and many more — over 700 hours of streaming video and growing. And for the music, the procedure is about the same — access to streaming music from groups and individuals that I have absolutely no idea who they are, but your kids are sure to know. They run from the familiar cartoon characters such as Dora singing songs to popular artists such as Selena Gomez. I saw 539 pages of music available for browsing, with each page holding approximately 18 song choices. You can also search by category, album title, and genre, so you won’t need to scan all 539 pages to find that favorite song or artist.
Are you familiar with IHeartRadio? This is one app that might give parents some hesitation, as it does give access to hundreds (maybe thousands) of online music radio stations (and talk radio, too). You can select a category, find a station, and immediately begin streaming music, comedy, sports, and more. I hunted down an old Texas station I loved and got to listen to Weezer’s Buddy Holly… my son didn’t know what to make of it. No respect for the new classics. Like other music streaming services, the music continued to play in the background as we investigated other apps. I eventually went back in and turned it off as my son just hasn’t developed an appreciation for indie rock just yet.
Our time was running out, and I wish I had more time to investigate the other apps such as M-Go (media streaming new movies — kinda like Netflix), CN Video (Cartoon Network), Veggie Tales, and Camera Fun. We only got to play one game of Differences and I had to pull the plug on Droid Drums which offers up a virtual drum set that my son was going to town on without any consideration of the grownups in the room. The Color & Draw app is awesome, but I think my son would have spent days doodling and we had to get to other apps. The games for older kids didn’t seem to appeal to him, so I only got a cursory glance at Riptide and Demolition, but I know I’d be playing them for sure.
And again… switch the Nabi 2 into Mommy/Daddy Mode and you can add your own favorite Android apps to the Nabi 2 — they’re protected and inaccessible while in Nabi Mode. And by the way, the operating system for both kids and adults… totally smooth. Swipe your finger and the animation has no delay or stutter. I know they put in a quad-core processor on this thing, and the speed with which apps open and videos display is impressive. And one other app that is available is the Nabi Cloud, a service that will allow you to backup your apps, ebooks, photos, movies, and more to the cloud so you won’t lose anything.
One final thing that I didn’t understand until I politely inquired with the Nabi folks was the unusual pattern of blocks on the back of the Nabi. At first I thought it was some sort of heatsink, but I was completely wrong. The Nabi 2 can be customized by your child — you’ll be able to purchase letters, pictures, and other items that can be attached to the back of the Nabi. Your child can put his/her name, a favorite animal, and probably much more. I don’t have a lot of information on this particular customization feature, but it’s a 3-inch-tall, 5-inch-wide grid of connector pieces just waiting for something to be attached.
One final surprise I had regarding the Nabi 2 was the price. I really did expect it to go up a little bit, especially considering the hardware improvements and the increase in pre-loaded content. But they’re holding it at $199.99. The Nabi 2 should be available in mid-July, complete with accessories including headsets, bags, bumpers, and more, so be keeping your eyes open for it if you like what you see. If you want more information, point your browser to http://www.nabitablet.com for more details.
I’d like to thank Kathy with Fuhu for giving me (and my son) an advanced look at the new Nabi 2. My son definitely didn’t like my packing it up to send back, so I know that Fuhu has found a solid mix of apps and features that will be a hit with the kids.
Update: While the Nabi (1) came with over $150 worth of pre-loaded software, the Nabi 2 has over $250 worth of pre-loaded software and e-books.
