Toronto Teacher Mom: VTech

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Last year, my son had his first taste of wearable tech with the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch. He loved it so much, he couldn't wait to try out the Kidizoom Action Cam, the perfect companion for little explorers who love both outdoor and underwater adventures. Now, a new generation of active kids can capture and relive memories thanks to the durability and versatility of the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam. Use the included mounts to attach to a bike, skateboard or scooter, or use the waterproof case for some underwater fun.

My son's favourite feature was the waterproof case. This kid just loves playing in the water and recorded several videos during our latest family getaway to Blue Mountain a few weeks ago. The weather was below seasonal but, thanks to the Action Cam, he still managed to have endless hours of fun in the pool. I was personally surprised at how clear the underwater photos turned out, especially given that these ones were taken on an overcast day.

Assembly of the waterproof case was fairly straightforward and my son was able to quickly learn how to take videos. Many of them, however, were very shaky so I had to remind him to try to keep a steady hand. I also found that you have to keep your distance if you want to fit more people in the frame, which is harder than it sounds when your subjects are swimming around like fishies. Here's a brief video clip that I recorded at the pool by merely submersing the camera underwater. I didn't have any goggles on so this was filmed blindly, so to speak:

With a waterproof case that can take videoes and pictures up to six feet underwater, and a mount for bikes, skateboards or scooters, the Action Cam can go anywhere kids go. It was designed to withstand drops and tumbles while sparking creativity. The Action Cam features a 1.4" color LCD screen that can take stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos, and allows kids to explore fun effects, frames and photo filters.

The VTech Kidizoom Action Cam comes with a waterproof case, mounting accessories, and a wrist strap, as well as a micro USB cable for data transfer and battery recharging. There are also three built-in games for additional fun and room for expandable memory up 32 GB with a Micro-SD card (sold serparately). It is available in yellow/black or purple and is recommended for children ages 4 and up. The Action Cam currently retails for $69.97 at Walmart.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Back to School: The New VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch

Back to School

In September, my son will be moving on to first grade and joining the ranks of all the other big goys and girls in the primary division. It's a milestone year for him as he will be adjusting from half-day kindergarten to full-day grade school. I know back-to-school season will be an exciting time for him but it will also bring about questions regarding new expectations, new teachers and particularly a new schedule. The school will be implementing new bell times this year, something we will all need to become accustomed with. To help ease his anxiety about what time school starts, ends, etc., my son will now have his very own watch to wear to school. And not just any ol' watch - a Kidizoom Smart Watch by Vtech.

Joining the newest tech trend of smart watches, VTech has introduced the Kidizoom® Smartwatch - the smartest watch for kids. Using the latest technology, the Smartwatch has a customizable watch mode where kids can select from amongst a selection of 50 watch faces and either analogue or digital clock display. But it's more than just a watch. The Smartwatch has a built-in camera with photo effects that allows young photographers to easily take photos and record videos on the go. The 1.4" colour touch screen allows children to explore their creativity with photo frames and filters, as well as play any of the four pre-installed interactive games.

This must-have gadget includes a rechargeable battery, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch and a voice recorder with funny voice changing effects. The Smartwatch also comes with a micro USB cable which can be used to upload all your photos and videos for editing via the Learning Lodge. Recommended for children aged 4 or older, the Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch has an interface that is simple enough for my six-year-old son to use. Of particular note is the quality of the screen in terms of colour and clarity, a marked difference when compared to the LCD display of his MP3 player.

The durable design of the Smartwatch has withstood my son's vigorous daily activity. It is also splash and sweat proof, making it ideal for use during hot summer days. Just be sure not to submerse it fully in water or allow your child to wear it in the shower since it is not waterproof.

Available at many major retail stores for $59.99, the Kidizoom Smartwatch comes in three colours: blue, green or pink. Keep your eyes peeled for the white Smartwatch which is exclusive to Walmart.