Image credit: Amazon
If you’re looking for a device that will allow your kids to video chat with family members while also offering a ton of interactive educational activities, the brand new Amazon Glow is worth a look.
Just announced, the new device is taking video calls to the next level, transforming the way kids can connect remotely with loved ones by offering a built-in projector and incorporating interactive activities that allow the child to participate in activities with family and friends, like reading stories, creating art, and playing games.
According to the company, it’s a “whole new way to bring families together for fun and learning.”
That all sounds cool, but you probably have some questions, like:
- What is Amazon Glow?
- How does Amazon Glow work?
- How much does Amazon Glow cost?
- And so on…
That’s why we’ve put together this early Amazon Glow review.
In the article below, we’ll cover everything we know so far about this new video chatting device, so you can determine if it’s something that might be right for your kids.
What is Amazon Glow?
Amazon Glow is a kid-centric device that takes the video chatting experience to the next level by using advanced projection, sensing, and video technologies to add interactivity and fun to remote conversations.
The Glow is a fairly sizeable device designed to sit on a table or other flat surface. It has an 8-inch display screen for video calls, and there’s a downward-facing projector that creates a second 19-inch screen on a flat white mat that’s included with the device.
Using the projector, kids can do all sorts of activities with the loved one they’re chatting with, including puzzles, art, stories, card games, checkers, and more. The family member on the other end can video call from their tablet and participate in these activities using the free Glow app.
Here’s another picture from Amazon that shows what it looks like:
What Can Amazon Glow Do?
Many parents already know the basic video chatting done on FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and the like can cause kids to lose interest quickly.
Amazon Glow is designed to make video chatting with relatives and other loved ones more engaging and exciting for kids by using cutting-edge technology to add an unparalleled level of interactivity.
According to the company, the Glow allows kids and family members to remotely read, play, and draw together. We can see this even being a valuable virtual learning tool for kids.
The Glow projects interactive activities — from games like checkers to drawing activities to books and more — down onto the included mat. The person on the other end of the conversation can see what’s being projected on their tablet and participate in the activities via the free Glow app.
One cool feature is how physical interacts with digital with Glow Bits. The company says this “unlocks a hands-on learning experience that lets kids move physical pieces, while the remote person moves digital ones, to solve challenges together on a shared board [and] kids can scan a favorite toy into a digital sticker for added fun in art activities.”
Is Amazon Glow Safe and Private for Kids?
As a parent, one of the first things you might be wondering is if this video chatting device is secure and safe to use for your kids.
Amazon has taken privacy very seriously with this device. The company says the Glow has plenty of parental controls, only allows kids to call pre-approved contacts selected by their parents, and even lets parents instantly disable cameras and microphones on the device by closing the visible privacy shutter.
Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, said “This category-defying product has been created with safety as a priority. By combining an ad-free, walled garden experience within the device and app, Amazon Glow will bring kids, parents, and grandparents together safely in new and highly interactive ways during these unique times.”
How Much Does Amazon Glow Cost?
Amazon Glow will be priced standard at $299.99 when it’s officially released. It will include the device, a white may, a mat case, and one year of Amazon Kids+ access. It also comes with a 2-year guarantee that ensures it will be replaced for free if it breaks.
However, there’s an early access price available right now of $249.99. The catch is you have to request an invitation to pre-order the product from Amazon, and there’s a limited number of invites available. You can click here to request your invite.
When Does Amazon Glow Come Out?
The official Amazon Glow release date hasn’t been announced yet. However, invitations to the early access program are currently being accepted, and the first devices are expected to ship in the U.S. in the coming weeks.
We’ll continue to update this Amazon Glow review as more details become available and we’re able to get our hands on the product.