iTikes Map {Review}

Little Tikes is a company I usually think of plastic toys, big and small we have them everywhere.  Well now they are expanding their line to revolutionize learning by combining their toys with Apple mobile devices.  The line features products designed to be used on their own and with extended capability through a free iTikes App.  They will use the smart technology of the app to provide additional engaging content for kids three and up.

iTikes™ Map

The iTikes™ Map and companion App are jam-packed with content.  By itself the map comes with a smart-pen that recognizes the images on the map.  Through the eyes of the device camera and the technology of Augmented Reality, the map virtually turns into a lifelike playground. Compatible with all iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, 4s and iPod touch 3 and 4.  (Apple device not included.)

Product Features:

• 2-in-1 play
  • Standalone map reads aloud fun facts
  • App-based play unlocks interactive learning and Augmented Reality
• Includes 6 maps with different subjects: dinosaurs, world facts, music, solar system, world cats and world dogs
• Smart pen activates fun facts about locations
• Quizzes and games with 3 difficulty levels
• Use an iPhone® or iPod touch® to hover over maps to interact with items/locations
• Learn on App with illustrations, animations and interactive 3D images
• Detachable carrying handle for on-the-go fun
• Expansion packs available
• Includes cases for iPhone® and iPod touch®

My boys (4 and 5) are all of the sudden very interested in maps and different locations.  They are so curious about everything and it is so hard to explain to them about the different states, cities and planets.  While I do have some apps for them on my iPod Touch, they get sidetracked and start playing games or the iPod dies.  The iTikes Map by Little Tikes is a great toy that not only has so many great features to it but it can be used with or without an iPod/iPhone.

Setting up the iTikes map is super simple.  Just add in the 3 batteries (not included):

Pick out the iTikes case that fits your device (you don’t have to but it snaps it into the iTikes map nicely and secures it):

Attach the pen:

Next up you pick our the map you’d like to start with:

Using the device is so easy. Just click on a spot (button) on the right side and then tap on somewhere on the map.  The sheets are easy to change and my boys had no problem figuring out how and what to click.  We did have some spots that we tried to tap on and it didn’t work, but it was more so getting used to what each map did and where to tap the pen.  The On/Off button and volume worked perfectly and we had no issues with that.

Using the map without a iPod/iPhone

 

Volume control and on/off button:

Handy carrying strap for kids to carry it around:

Like I said, the iTikes Map is easy to use.  My boys can easily change the maps and tap around.  They use it both with and without a device, and actually they probably prefer it without.  The app on the device is a little slow (or that’s just our device) and my boys are inpatient.  It is nice though to have and when something pops up, it pops up.  For example if you click on a certain city that has an interactive part on the device, it says a fact or something about the point.  I was amazed though at how long my boys sat and played with this map.  There are quizzes and games to play with three different levels, so it does grow with your child.  My boys don’t use them yet, but they love clicking around.

The carrying handle makes it fun and easy to carry around and there is a lot of educational aspects to it.  I think this is really a great device and see us getting a lot of use out of it!  There is always room for improvement but what I like about this is its both old school (maps and pen) with new school (iPod/iPhone.)

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BUY IT:  The iTikes Map can be purchased for $59.99 direct through Little Tikes or look for it at Target, Toys R Us and Walmart.

WIN IT:  (1) US winner will receive the iTikes Map

GIVEAWAY ENTRY:

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Mom and More Disclosure: I received this product in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.