Fitbit launches new Ace 3 activity and sleep tracker for kids

Now that Winter is transitioning into Spring and COVID19 stay at home orders are beginning to ease up across the country, we can hopefully convince our kids (and ourselves) to keep moving and get outside. Fitbit today announced Fitbit Ace 3, the brand’s next generation activity and sleep tracker that makes it fun and easy for kids ages 6+ to get active and build healthy habits with the entire family. Expanding on the features kids love most about the Ace family of trackers, Ace 3 introduces more animated clock faces and new accessories to motivate kids and show off their personal style. With up to 8 days of battery life in a swimproof design, Ace 3 can keep up all week long. Yes, now we're talking!

Click to read more ...

Harman Kardon Invoke won't be a Cortana speaker anymore

Microsoft wanted Cortana to be its answer to the likes of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. But now, the first and last speaker to have Cortana onboard will be letting it go. The Harman Kardon Invoke will receive an update this Wednesday that will disable Cortana. The company said Cortana will stop working in the coming months whether you receive the update or not.

Source: The Verge

Your children will get profiles on Google TV soon

Google TV is expanding parental controls on its streaming device with the addition of kids' profiles. Parents and guardians can create individual profiles for the kids in their care using either their name and age or existing Google accounts. Through these new profiles, account holders can add specific apps and customized backgrounds and upload movies purchased on other devices. In the coming weeks, additional avatar options will be available, too.

The guardians can secure regular Google TV accounts with a PIN, so the children can't access more mature content. It will also allow account holders to set daily screen time limits and even bedtimes. It's coming first to the US this month, with a broader international rollout "in the next few months."

Source: Gizmodo

Apple, Common Sense Media launches 'Kids & Family' experience for Podcasts app

Source: Apple

Apple has partnered with nonprofit organization Common Sense Media to launch a new Kids & Family experience for its Podcasts app. Initially available in the US, the feature will offer age-appropriate content recommendations for families. The goal is to make it easier for parents to find kid-friendly podcasts for all ages.

There will be thematic collections from creators like Tinkercast, American Public Media, Gen-Z Media, Pinna, Tumble, Highlights, WNYC Studios, Rebel Girls, and Nickelodeon.

Click to read more ...