Users who are familiar with the technology behind Playaways, the preloaded mini-MP3 players that contain individual audiobooks, may remember that the company has a strong history of providing conveniently packaged “safe” content for multi-user consumption. Whether it’s the stand-alone audiobook players or the US Navy-specific NERDs (Naval E-Reader Device) that came loaded for shipboard deployment use for about 300 ebook titles, parent company Findaway has been meeting unique needs that the industry as a whole has overlooked for quite some time.
But with the recent announcement of the latest tech offering from Findaway, the company has reached out to a whole other market with another unique device. Called the Playaway Launchpad, these pre-loaded tablets are ideally suited for library or classroom use by a multitude of children’s age ranges and ability levels. These Android-based tablets contain some of the hottest apps on the market, as well as learning modules that can be easily accessed and then easily cleared for the next user.
“We’re incredibly excited to debut Playaway Launchpad and change the way tablets are circulated within libraries and schools,” said Jennifer Leombruno, VP, Playaway Pre-Loaded Products Group. “Launchpad directly addresses the common pain points of retail tablets, offering a turnkey solution for staff wanting to provide access to a high-quality, interactive learning tool in a safe, fun, and affordable way.
Even with the proven success of initiatives like Bring Your Own Device, there are still schools and libraries who are reluctant to enter the tech sphere for young students due to concerns about privacy, effective use of instructional time, and concerns over appropriate content. But Playaway Launchpads are designed to address those concerns and more, while still introducing users to the convenience and applications that tablet technology affords.
“Findaway has partnered with leading app developers and Fingerprint Digital, a prominent app aggregator and technology partner, to custom-curate thousands of best-selling apps selected and quality-tested just for children. The content collection spans subject areas from math and science to critical thinking and creativity, and features themed learning packs including animals, princesses, fantasy, nature and more.”
Priced at $99 and free from wifi connectivity or cameras, Playaway Launchpads are already in place in a number of public library systems for young patrons to borrow, including Baltimore County Public Library, Cambridge Public Library, Chicago Public Library and Nashville Public Library.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.