Although tablets have been thoroughly embraced for personal and business uses, touch screen technology still has an element of magic to it. Recently, there has been an explosion in educational and kid-centric application development, leaving us questioning the tablet’s role in schools and in the hands of children. A video of a baby treating print magazines like touch screens went viral on Youtube. Children, even toddlers, can use iPads even before learning to talk, and schools are applying for grants to provide their students one tablet each.
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Tag archive: iPad
Why tablets are not going to make education any better (unless we innovate on content)
29 April 2013
Children teach grammar to a wiener dog!
24 April 2013
In the new version of Timbuktu Magazine (that we launched a few days ago) not only did we implement a subscription and a grown-ups zone for IAP purchases, but we also introduced an amazing group of characters to help children learn Common Core State Standards skills, with a twist.
The idea here is that children learn better if they feel involved in a great story they can relate to. This is why we created a set of characters who live together in the city of Timbuktu. Each of our characters is related to a particular subject, and the relationships between them become a way to break the walls between different subjects and create an engaging environment where kids can learn through the adventures of their favorite character!
Today, we want to introduce you to Betty, a girl wiener dog, passionate about skateboarding, who keeps a diary on Timbuktu Magazine. The only problem is that Betty’s grammar is pretty bad. Children have to help her correct the mistakes she does on her diary, and help her improve the quality of her writing. What’s revolutionary about this? [read more]
In-App Purchases: are developers evil?
9 March 2013
There’s been a lot of demonization of developers using in-app purchases inside apps aimed at children. A few days ago Apple had to refund customers in the U.K. when their five-year-old boy accidentally spent $2,500 in in-app purchases in just 15 minutes. The settlement obviously made headlines and the debate followed. Sadly, most of the comments ended up simply reinforcing a widespread misconception: developers who use IAP inside children’s apps are evil and should be banned by Apple.
Since we develop apps for children and one of them uses IAP, we took some time to clarify a few points. We’re pretty passionate about what we do, and we don’t like poor simplifications.
Magazines for kids: history of two great successes
25 January 2013
When we started Timbuktu, our goal was creating a digital editorial product that could replicate and enhance the quality of some great magazines for kids we loved as children. We’ve always thought of Timbuktu as a starting point to explore the world using imagination, parents and kids together. Why a magazine? Because historically new disruptive magazines gave voice to one part of humanity that was still neglected, and made it become recognized as a part of civil society.
5 things you need to know about kids and iPads
27 December 2012
Did you give/receive an iPad as a Christmas present? Yay! Now, you can download and enjoy Timbuktu, the first iPad magazine for parents and kids, for free! Also, if you are going to use the iPad with your kids, (or if you gave it to your kids) there are a few things you may want to know about kids and iPads.
You already know they love it: apparently, 48% of American kids asked Santa an iPad for Christmas. You saw them fighting to get it, you heard them asking for it first thing when you’re back home. You may have seen them hiding behind the sofa to get some extra iPad time before going to sleep (true story). The question is: is the iPad bad for your kids? No. At least, not necessarily. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll make the most out of this expensive tablet!
The Best Advent Calendar is on your iPad
2 December 2012
In December, the Timbuktu Calendar becomes a real Advent Calendar! It is full of Christmas stories, games, letters, and activities that will make the weeks that lead up to Christmas truly special.
Let us give you some quick anticipations of some of the most beautiful stories you’ll find in Timbuktu in December:
TODAY | A game, “Dress up Santa Claus”
Create your favorite outfit and share awesome Christmas Cards with your friends! Illustrated by amazing Jacopo Rosati, with sound design by Elettra Bargiacchi.
THE NEW TIMBUKTU IS OUT!
2 November 2012
We’re thrilled to announce that the new version of Timbuktu is finally available for free on the App Store! We’ve worked our tails off these past few months, and we’re ready to rock family time even more. How? With the new Timbuktu, parents can find a new great story to share with their children each day of the week. Yes, you’ve got it right– we’re crazy enough to make this adventure a daily adventure. We believe that being with family is the coolest place and it should be treated as such every single day. Today’s content is provided by San Francisco based publisher McSweeney’s, check it out!
Please take advantage of the free download, and let us know what you think about it! We would love to receive your feedback.
An app with poetry for kids from 0 to any age (yours included!).
22 June 2012
Ah, how we love wonderful iPad apps! iF Poems, for instance.
Guess who told us about it? Helena Bonham Carter. Here:
Ready, Steady, Bang!
16 January 2012
If you like cowboys, guns and great graphic design, this is the game for you. It’s a quick-fire dueling game that can be played both in 1 and 2 players mode. Be the first to tap on your side of the screen and beat the quickest outlaws ever. 31 unique cowboys deaths are waiting for you to unlock them. Then, you’ll show off them to your friends in your Kill Gallery. Really funny.
The Numberly
12 January 2012
MoonBoot Studios, creators of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Loris Lessmore, just released a new app called The Numberly. It tells the origins of the alphabet in an interactive epic form and it’s designed for both iPhone and iPad. You can buy it for 5,99$ on the App Store.
