World’s first Android tablet for kids launched

On November 21 US-based company Fuhu announced the launch of the Nabi tablet -- a device which it claims is the 'world's first full-featured Android tablet made especially for kids.'

The touchscreen tablet contains a front-facing camera, a 1.1 GHZ (533MHz X2 dual-core) Cortex A9 CPU, a PowerVR SGX530 3D graphics processor and has a 1080p HDMI display for video playback.

The tablet also comes with what Fuhu claims are $150 worth of pre-loaded apps including music, games and books.

While the device can obviously be used for gaming, the manufacturers argue that it can also serve as an educational device due to the availability of e-books and a 'math learning program,' both of which are available to download from the Nabi App Store.

The device also has a 'mommy mode' which allows parents to use the tablet to browse the web unrestricted.

Founder and president of Fuhu Robb Fujioka describes the Nabi as 'a full-featured Android tablet, [with] the core features you think about for a tablet -- touch-screen, WiFi, app store, gaming, movies, books -- but within a kiddified experience designed specifically for kids.'

The tablet is only available to pre-order at Toys R Us priced $199.99 with an estimated shipping date, of 12/01/2011 -- only available in the US and US territories.

The launch of the Nabi reflects the trend for high-tech toys such as tablets, which are expected to be a big hit this holiday season.

One of the most popular tablets for children is the LeapPad Explorer by LeapFrog which has a RRP of $123.90. Selected by numerous retailers and associations, including Littlewoods and the Toy Retailers Association, as one of this year's hottest toys, the LeapPad is a touchscreen tablet supported by its own app store which has an emphasis on education.

However while techy toys might be popular among retailers and children alike, some organizations such as TRUCE (Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment) condemn devices such as tablets for removing human interaction from play.