PBS KIDS Launches First Tablet Featuring Educational Content and Parental Controls

PBS KIDS

In partnership with Ematic, PBS KIDS launches the Playtime Pad, a kidSAFE Coppa-certified device that delivers high-quality videos and games for kids, with integrated parent tools

Arlington, VA, October 17, 2016 - PBS KIDS, a leader in connected learning for children, today announced the launch of its first tablet: the Playtime Pad. Produced by Ematic, the 16 GB kids' tablet provides a one-stop destination for PBS KIDS' educational content, with more than 25 games and 120 video clips and music videos pre-loaded, along with 100+ hours of video on the PBS KIDS Video App. Other popular apps such as PBS KIDS ScratchJr and PBS Parents Play and Learn are also included. The Playtime Pad features a front-and-back camera and a Paint Box coloring app that encourages kids to flex their creative skills. The tablet is kidSAFE Coppa-certified, and includes controls that enable parents to customize the device for each of their children, set limits on screen time using a play timer and manage what kids can access.

The debut of the Playtime Pad extends PBS KIDS' work in the digital space, which includes a robust collection of content, such as more than 30 learning apps and the award-winning pbskids.org, which is the number-one individual site in the kids' category for total videos watched as well as total minutes spent viewing desktop video.1 Last year, PBS KIDS delivered more than five billion streams across digital devices.2 Building on the many ways families can engage with PBS KIDS anytime and anywhere, the number-one children's educational media brand will soon launch a free 24-hour channel and livestream delivered by PBS member stations, which will be accessible across platforms, including the Playtime Pad.

PBS KIDS is continuously looking for new ways to engage children with media that sparks their curiosity and fosters a love of learning, supporting our mission to help all kids reach their potential, said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children's Media and Education, PBS. We know that families lead busy, on-the-go lives, so we are excited to offer our high-quality, innovative content on an affordable tablet that helps kids learn and explore with their favorite PBS KIDS characters, whenever and wherever.

More and more, kids are using tablets to not only play their favorite apps, but also watch their favorite shows, said Roy Rayn, President, Ematic. Ematic recently surveyed3 parents and found that almost half of them plan to purchase a tablet for their kids within the next year, and almost all of them think it's important that it has pre-loaded educational content. With this in mind, we are excited to partner with PBS KIDS on their first tablet. We at Ematic believe the combination of PBS KIDS' brand and educational content and our knowledge of developing the best kids tablets is a powerful one. Parents who are seeking a fun and engaging learning experience for their children will find it in the Playtime Pad.

One-hundred percent of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of the PBS KIDS Playtime Pad will support PBS KIDS' mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life. The PBS KIDS Playtime Pad will be available starting November 6 at Best Buy stores and on bestbuy.com for $79.99, on walmart.com and on shop.pbskids.org.

Playtime Pad Features:

100 hours of video on the award-winning PBS KIDS Video App

120 PBS KIDS video clips, songs and music videos

More than 25 ready-to-play fun and educational games from PBS KIDS series

Parental controls

Durable design

Front-and-back camera

Wi-Fi-ready

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children's learning. The PBS KIDS Video app is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About Ematic

Ematic's innovative approach to providing superior technology in portable media has continued to impress consumers since 1985. Built on a solid foundation of technological advancement, our commitment to premier quality and value has earned us the reputation of the top-selling brand at Wal-Mart, QVC, Radio Shack, Tiger Direct and other fine retailers. From eReaders to Android Tablets, Ematic offers a solid range of durable electronic accessories with an undeniably low price. Ematic was the proud manufacturer of the #1 selling kids tablet in 2015 in the USA (NPD). Designed in California, all of our patented products are customizable in a wide array of color options to suit your personal style. In addition to an environmentally friendly office approach, Ematic also supports the community by donating ten percent of our total profits to charity.

Contacts

Maria Vera, PBS; 703.739.3225; mvera@pbs.org

Allison Salzberg, 360 Public Relations, 617.585.5793, asalzberg@360pr.com

1 Source: comScore Video Metrix Aug '16.

2 Source: Google Analytics Jan - Dec '15.

3 Source: Consumer Behavior and Preference Study for the Tablet Category assessing key content, brands, pricing and product features by Marketing-Immersion; 1,000 participants surveyed.

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