Now There Is Alexa Just for Kids
Now kids can ask Alexa to tell them a joke on their own device. Amazon today unveiled a kid-friendly version of its ubiquitous smart speaker. The Echo Dot Kids Edition , which costs $ 79.99, is available for pre-order and will begin shipping on May 9th.
Designed for kids ages 5-12, the device comes with Amazon FreeTime parental controls, a case, and a FreeTime Unlimited annual subscription (which includes all sorts of things like children’s audiobooks, ad-free music stations like Radio Disney and funny alarm clocks depicting popular characters). Alexa also learned to say “baby”.
Here’s what he can do:
Rewards good manners
Some parents wonder what children actually learn when they have a digital genie at their disposal in the form of a smart speaker. In The Atlantic ‘s Alex and the Age of Accidental Rudeness , writer Ken Gordon explains that it’s a problem for him when his teenage son barks, “Alexa, play Jeopardy !” and his desire is her order. The new kids version of Alexa can’t (yet) transform your child into the modern-day Emily Post, but it does offer them praise for saying please when asking questions. “Thank you for such a good question,” he replies.
He can decipher “baby says”
Young children speak like little children, and I’ve seen them get upset when smart speakers or other devices don’t understand their words. Mat Honan of BuzzFeed News , who tested the new device, writes that the children’s version will be more forgiving of children’s speech, explaining that “for example, the less clearly pronounced ‘Awexa’ should still wake him up.”
He provides thoughtful answers tailored for young ears
The original Alexa is a little cocky – for example, if you ask her how much she weighs, she might give you the answer, “I’m weightless as a cloud. Wait, the clouds actually weigh a lot. So this is not entirely true. Let’s just say I’m more daring than the mass. ” Such answers, while amusing to adults, often go beyond children’s heads. When designing the Echo Dot Kids Edition, Amazon executives really took the milestones of children into account. He takes the questions they ask seriously, and with curiosity requiring deeper discussion than a smart speaker can provide, he directs them to their parents.
Some of Alexa’s answers to children’s questions:
“Am I too fat?” Alexa: “Everyone’s bodies are different in shape, color and size, and that’s okay. If you are concerned about something, talk to a trusted friend, adult or relative. ” ( BuzzFeed )
“Where the babies come from?” Alexa: “People create people, but the question of how they are created will be better for adults.” ( BuzzFeed )
Why are the children mistreating me? “ Alexa: ” People are intimidated or angry for a variety of reasons. Bullying is bad and never normal. If you or someone else is being bullied, know that there are many people who can help you. You should talk to your parents, teacher, or other trusted adult about this. ” ( BuzzFeed )
“Is Santa real?” Alexa: “I have not met him, but if I do, I want to ask about Rudolph’s nose.” ( CNN )
It will (hopefully) filter out dirty music
Parents no longer need to worry about high-explosive bombs sweeping through their children’s rooms. Kid-friendly Alexa automatically filters explicit songs from Amazon Music. The device has other strict control measures – using the control panel for parents, moms and dads can set time limits and view all activities. Voice purchases are always disabled and user profile data is never collected.
Over time, he gets to know your child better.
AI will know what kind of music your kids are listening to, and if they have a Fire tablet, it will know what shows they are watching as well as the books they are reading. Over time, the Echo Dot Kids Edition will give kids a personalized experience. You might think this is pretty dainty, or it might all scare you. (Or you may be in constant conflict, like me.) It is impossible to tell how we should feel, as there is no real research to see what effect these smart assistant technologies can have on children. However, regarding smart speakers in general, kids experts are optimistic – at least when they compare them to addictive smartphones. They say the devices keep kids from sticking to screens.
In the meantime, I’m doing this. Alexa, please don’t make me regret this.