Glow, Amazon’s invite-only video device for children, is now available to everyone and comes packaged with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ that includes content from Disney, Mattel, Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop, according to a Tuesday (March 29) press release.
The Kids+ content library has games and visual arts activities, as well as books and immersive features, all intended to help build family connections. The Glow experience is centered around creating a new way for children to connect to their remote loved ones and simultaneously explore the same content, the release stated.
“We know a majority of parents say it’s challenging for their kids to stay engaged on traditional video calls, and, let’s be honest, stay in one place,” said Amazon Glow General Manager Joerg Tewes in the release. “Glow is like a giant virtual recreation room bursting with fun, creating a magical experience that captivates kids and delights the entire family. Customers have told us that ‘Glow Time’ happens all the time in their homes as kids embrace the new direct access they have for fun with distant family members,” Tewes said.
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Amazon developed Glow under the guidance of experts in products for children and professionals in child development, according to the release. Amazon’s goal was to create a device that would generate an immersive experience while breaking down the feelings of distance between children and family members living far away or parents just minutes away at work.
Glow uses a touchscreen display with a front-facing camera and connects with pre-approved loved ones that parents invite to the experience. The device links to a smartphone with the Glow app. Using Glow’s projected touchscreen, kids and their remote loved ones can simultaneously play games, read books, create art and more.
“For parents who are miles or minutes away from home for work, Glow provides a new way to say good morning or good night to keep those important relationships strong,” Tewes said. “For grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members, Glow provides an effective way to build connections and strengthen bonds with the kids in their lives in between traditional family gatherings.”