PlayMG Handheld Android Gaming Device {Review}

Disclosure:  I received the product below to review in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

When I bought my current phone I told myself it would be my phone and not another kid device.  My kids each have kid tablets and actually have our old phones that can play games, but still they always want my phone.  I tried so hard to hold off on handing over my phone because I know the first time I downloaded a kids game it was the end of “my” phone, but it happened.  We were at a restaurant and I just wanted to eat my food and the whining started, so I downloaded a game and handed it over.  Yes I gave in.  Now my poor phone has more games on it then my own apps!  For whatever reason my boys seem to like my Android phone better than my husband’s iPhone, even though I think the games are about the same.

Then I saw a mention of PlayMG on Facebook and I knew it was something I had to check out.  What is PlayMG you may be thinking?

A pocketable all-in-one entertainment system specifically designed for young people who do not have a smartphone. With no monthly charges or expensive cartridge games to buy, PlayMG enables you to enter the world of portable “freemium” apps via the Google Play platform.

With PlayMG, young people get their own smart-device and parents get their smartphones back.

So basically PlayMG is an Android smartphone without the actually phone part!  All the games and apps you and your children are used to from Android are on the PlayMG.  Yes Angry Birds is on it!  The PlayMG is for all ages as well, from kids to adults.  It is an ultra-sleek 4 inch touch-screen tablet basically.  It is the same size as my Samsung Galaxy S3, a good size for little hands or big hands!

There are a few features though that make PlayMG a unique device:

• No more over spending issues with the SpendSmart Prepaid MasterCard.  It allows you to manage your child’s app spending through a real-time glance, like an allowance.  Its easy to load and text alerts keep you in the loop about purchases.  It also keeps you safe from identity theft and fraud.  I think this is also a great way to teach money management and show kids to save their money for games they really want and make smart decisions.

• The Family Collaborative System provides optional email notifications for remote monitoring so young people can enjoy unlimited apps and parents get to “trust but verify” through weekly email usage reports.

Like I mentioned earlier you can link your PlayMG to a Prepaid MasterCard, but you DO NOT have to.  There are plenty of free apps to download through the Google Play Store and the PlayMG itself comes loaded already with a bunch of fun games and apps.  You do need WiFi to download the games, music, movies, TV shows, books, and more – basically the whole Internet is at your fingertips with the PlayMG.  The best part?  Since the PlayMG uses WiFi only, there is no expensive monthly data plan to worry about.  With you controlling the app purchases, there are no scary bills to worry about!

You don’t have to worry about running out of room either!  The PlayMG offers expandable memory through the included MicroSD Card.  Depending on which PlayMG package you buy you will either receive up to 40GB of storage and more can be added.  This is a great feature since other tablets or similar devices are not always expandable and then you end up having to delete stuff constantly to download new games.

Some other features included on the PlayMG:

• 1.3MP front-facing camera for Face Unlock Security
• Headset jack for ultra-immersive full-stereo gaming audio
• Micro USB 2.0 connector (can be used for data transfer)
• 4-inch high-density Gorilla Glass touch screen
• Rounded design for easy Android App play
• Wireless Internet (WiFi: 802.11b/g/n)
• Includes 8GB microSD card
• Supported Audio Formats: MP3, AAC, FLAC, OGG, WAV, WMA
• Supported Videos Formats: AVI, DivX, H.264, and MPEG4
• 1880mAh for Long-life battery:  (3.75 hours Play time, 4+ days stand-by).
• 1 Year Limited Warranty

Overall, I love the PlayMG.  It honestly works just like my Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone but it doesn’t have the phone features.  My email, Twitter, Facebook, Angry Birds, everything I like on my phone is also on the PlayMG!  My kids absolutely love having “their own phone.”  My kids 5 and 6 had no problems using it and were off downloading games before I could explain how to them!  I haven’t added any money to the account and honestly I don’t think I will even need to for awhile.  There are so many free games available through the Google Play store.  I just read too that you can use Netflix on it, this is awesome!  Now of course you do need WiFi connected to use the Netflix but if your out you can always create a hotspot on your smartphone and link your PlayMG up to that (using the data from your smartphone plan.)  I highly recommend PlayMG for any parent looking for a device for their kids who either are too young for a phone themselves or to reclaim your own phone back!

BUY IT:  The PlayMG can be purchased direct through PlayMG or look for it at your local Target, Toys R Us or Amazon for around $150.

WIN IT:  (1) US winner will receive a PlayMG Touch-Screen Device ($150 value)

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This Giveaway Ends December 13, 2013.