PBS Kids, Moff launch app that encourages active play

By Aditi Pai
07:55 am
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MoffPBS Kids has partnered with Japan-based Moff, which has developed an activity tracking device designed for kids, to launch an app, called PBS KIDS Party App, that helps children play active games. The app is designed for kids between the ages of 5 and 8.

“PBS Kids looks for learning opportunities in every new technology, leveraging cutting-edge innovations to help children build key skills,” PBS Kids Digital Vice President Sara DeWitt said in a statement. “As we launch PBS Kids Party, we’re proud to be working hand-in-hand with the Moff team, who are experts in kids’ wearable technology. We are excited to leverage this new tool to help kids stretch their imaginations, flex their creativity skills and accelerate learning through active game play.”

Children are able to play games on the app just using their mobile device or tablet, but they can also play the game by syncing the Moff Band. The device tracks movement. While most activity trackers are designed to track running and walking, Moff CEO Akinori Takahagi said that their device is 3D movement sensing, so it can recognize gesture and posture changes.

The PBS Kids Party app, available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, allows children to play through four different games. One is a freeze dancing game in which kids can either freestyle or follow along with the suggested dance moves. Another game allows kids to record their own sounds and then move their arms to play back the sounds.

The last two games include a game where kids can swing their arms to break a piñata, and one where kids play with numbers by moving their body to pop balloons or blast off a rocket. PBS said the company aims to use these games to draw kids away from the device and use their imagination while playing.

Earlier this year, Moff raised $1.3 million from Japanese video game giant Bandai Namco Entertainment, Orso, and TomyK. This brings the company’s total funding to at least $1.7 million.

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