LeapFrog has announced the arrival of its new tracker LeapBand - the company's first physical activity tracker, designed just for kids.
LeapFrog is known for making education-oriented apps and tablets for children, according to KPRG Houston.
The LeapBand costs $40, and the company said it will be available in August. Designed for kids between 4-7 years old, the tracker includes 50 different games, along with other challenges to "encourage active play and healthy habits."
"We understand that helping a child reach their potential not only includes making sure they're versed on the ABCs and 123s, but they are encouraged through play to establish health habits and get the exercise they need every day," said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of the Learning Team at LeapFrog. "LeapBand is a great way to get kids up and active and help them develop a strong foundation for healthy lifestyles."
The band includes a built-in accelerometer, rechargeable battery, water-resistant design, high-resolution color screen, and acts as both an analogue and digital watch. Participating in physical activities and challenges earns the kids points, which lets them unlock more challenges, games, levels and virtual rewards for their on-screen pet, The Telegraph reported.
The LeapBand features eight different pets from LeapFrog's Pet Pals Franchise: a dog, cat, penguin, monkey, panda, robot, unicorn and dragon. The pets can be customized by name and color.
The tracker's challenges include "Walk like a crab," "Pop like popcorn," and "Spin like a helicopter." These activities tap into kids' own individual movements to keep them active, The Telegraph reported.
The band connects to a website or app that lets parents keep track of their children's activities. Parents will also be able to choose which activities their kids can select. The ways that the information collected by the LeapBand can be handled are limited, due to federal regulations on data-collection of children. Information can only be provided to parents, KPRG Houston reported.
The device comes in blue, pink and green, and will be available at retailers in the U.S. and online.
