Smart Apps For Kids

The New Pokemon Go Plus has Been Released!

So, what is the Pokemon Go Plus, anyway? What does it do? Yes, I wondered as well. Well, the Pokemon Go Plus is a wearable device that pairs with your smart phone via Bluetooth, so you can play the app without constantly staring at your smartphone screen. It can be clipped to your clothing or worn on a wristband.

Apple Unveils the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus and More!

In case you did not get a chance to catch Apple's live feed of the event today, luckily, I did, as did many actual tech journalists. All the details and specs about the two new iPhones, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, were revealed in typical Apple fashion. Also, a new product, Apple AirPods, was released in addition to quite a few product upgrades. Several new games were showcased that the new, more powerful, iPhone can handle. One game is from the Super Mario Brothers line.    

14 Awesome and FREE Coding Projects that Kids Can Do Online- All on One Website!!

I have no idea how I missed this gem of a website! Made with Code offers 14 free and fun coding projects for kids, which I may or may not have spent hours playing for "research purposes". Yes, that is it. Research. Made with Code is an Initiative designed to get more girls interested in Computer Science, but of course, this fantastic resource is great for all kids.

Kids use a simplified version of Google's programming language, Blockly, to make a variety of projects. On the simple side, there is Emojify, which is the first one on the page, but beyond that, some projects get a little bit more tricky and fun!

24 Perfect Mother's Day Gifts for the Stressed Out Mom!

We all know at least one mom, who is just a bit stressed. Okay, we all know at least one mom who is extremely stressed, assuming we are not that mom. That is why I found this article particularly helpful. It is a list if gifts designed specifically for moms who could use a bit of relaxation. It is full of 24 fantastic ideas for Mother's Day gifts, including cool tech items, towels to help with wine pairing, an coloring book just for mom, a very neat blown glass orb for placing notes in, and much more.  

So, as you shop for your mom, your wife, or your partner. Stop and think for a minute. Does she really want that vacuum? Is that apron likely to increase her stress or decrease it? If you are even thinking of either of these items as a possibility, I would consult the list. The mom in your life will thank you for it.

 

Review and Giveaway: Bluebee Pals Interactive Bluetooth Toy (a $65 value!)

When the folks at Bluebee Pals asked if I might be interested in reviewing one of their adorable Bluebee Pals, I said “sure” thinking that it would be a cute little distraction for my kids but probably just a novelty item. You know, just a toy.

So, imagine my delight upon receiving Leo the Lion on my doorstep. I opened the box to find a large, plush lion (this guy is 13” tall) of excellent quality. As just a stuffed animal, he’s really top notch. But the thing is, he’s not just a stuffed animal. Leo is also a pretty sweet little piece of technology. Starting off, I have to admit that my imagination was pretty limited about what I could do with this Bluebee Pal. I thought “Oh, a stuffed animal with a Bluetooth speaker. Mmmkay.” OK, yes, Leo is a stuffed lion with a Bluetooth speaker, but he’s much more than that.