By will-buy
Amazon has released a new device for kids combining an interactive projector and video call screen called Glow in the U.S. Kids can talk face-to-face having a distant friend or relative while doing offers or reading books with them through the virtual touchscreen developed by the projector, mirrored on their own video caller's smart device.
Glow From Afar
Amazon Glow is made to mimic being in-person with someone a long way away for children. While the pre-approved caller converses using the child with the 8-inch video chat screen, the caller can manipulate the 19.2-inch projected touchscreen while watching child. They can read stories together, and the child will see the page on the table turn because the person on the screen flips the page on their own device. The same goes for games and art projects. The caller's Android or iOS device links towards the interactive projector using a free Glow app to sync the experience. Those activities are part of the Amazon Kids+ package of kid-focused software, to which purchasers from the $300 Glow get a free year's subscription.
The device has been undergoing a pilot test among a restricted, invite-only group so far, though sales are still geographically limited at the moment. The wide release expanded the information open to Glow users and glued some bugs. Regardless of the clear presence of AI in how Glow operates, it notably does not include the Alexa voice assistant. That's likely because of both technical hurdles and also the many legal challenges Amazon and other voice assistant developers are already facing over whether or not they are violating child privacy laws. Amazon's vision for Glow would be to encourage kids to remain engaged on video calls with distant friends with activities, although not such as the many child-friendly voice games readily available for Alexa.
“We know a majority of parents say it's challenging for their kids to remain engaged on traditional video calls, and, let's not pretend, stay in one place,” Amazon Glow general manager Joerg Tewes said. “Glow is sort of a giant virtual recreation room bursting with fun, developing a magical experience that captivates kids and delights the entire family. Customers have told us that 'Glow Time' happens constantly in their homes as kids embrace the new direct access they have for fun with distant members of the family.”
Amazon Children
Amazon describes the Glow as its first kid-specific device built “from the ground up,” but the tech giant has been building up its child-focused tech devices for a long time. That includes the Echo Dot Kids Edition and Alexa-enabled toys such as the KidKraft Kitchen. The business's family-friendly efforts around Alexa and other tech haven't staved off all legal challenges. Wary parents unconvinced by smart reading tutors and a Disney-branded AI may be convinced to get involved with the Amazon tech ecosystem through the Glow and its vision of connecting far-flung families.
“For parents who're miles or minutes away from home for work, Glow supplies a new way to say hello or night to keep those important relationships strong,” Tewes said. “For grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members, Glow offers an effective way to build connections and strengthen bonds using the kids within their resides in between traditional family gatherings.”
