GeekSugar

LeapFrog to Introduce First iPhone App With Scout's ABC Garden

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:01:10 PDT

There are plenty of tot-friendly apps on the market claiming to be educational. And while some have research and educators backing it up, none have the power of the LeapFrog brand behind them – until now. With Scout's ABC Garden ($4), which hits the iTunes store on Thursday, the company brings its most iconic plush characters to life in the palm of lil one's hands (or on their mama's iPhone, iPad, or iTouch).

Similar to the company's highly-praised Leapster and Explorer units, the new app features interactive exercises designed to teach lil ones about letters and sounds. Scout and Violet (players can choose which character to use) can be personalized (just like their plush counterparts) to say up to three children's names, their favorite colors, food, and animals. Tots can then explore Scout's garden, pop bubbles, sprinkle seeds, play a whac-a-mole-like game, and listen to kid-friendly songs while practicing their letter skills. Each activity is offered three times before moving on to the next, under the belief that kids must be exposed to something three times before they've mastered it.

Keep reading to see what I thought of the app experience and if it is worth downloading!

Get Schooled with Educational iPhone Apps

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:00:47 PDT

Since the iTunes App Store launched, there are new applications every single day, making me feel like the proverbial kid in a candy store. The myriad categories are only outnumbered by the growing numbers of apps in each. I've highlighted games and the essentials, but you can't count out the educational apps. Whether you have kids and want to supplement their learning or just need refreshers yourself, check out my slideshow of braintastic iPhone apps!

18 Spring Activities to Get Your Geek on

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:42:00 PDT

Whether you prefer to be in the kitchen or on the road, we've come up with several creative ideas to keep you busy this Spring. Looking for some new pastimes? From DIYs to nerdy day trips, we've got 18 fun, geeky ideas to get you through the season.

Have a documentary marathon: Not sure where to start? Check out Frozen Planet, a seven-part series from the team behind Planet Earth, to learn more about climate changes (and adorable animals!) in the Poles.
Become an amateur astronomer: Pick an especially clear night and look at the stars with the 5 Stars Astronomy Guide App. It's simple: hold your phone to the sky and you'll learn all about the constellation in front of you.
Host a Comic-Con party: Get your pals to dress up as their favorite comic book characters and go for bold, bright decorations. Keep your favorite comic-inspired flicks playing in the background and serve drinks in these Vintage DC Comic Tumblers ($125 for 6).
Try a coding class: Do a bit of research to find local coding classes at a community college. Sign up solo or invite your Internet-obsessed pals to join so that you can help each other learn the HTML ropes.

Keep reading for more geeky things to do.

"App"y Birthday Dr. Seuss: 8 Apps to Celebrate the Author's 108th Birthday

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:49:17 PST

Happy 108th birthday, Dr. Seuss! The legendary children's book author single-handedly transformed lil ones' bookshelves, writing more than 44 books that rhymed their way into kids' (and their parents') hearts. Now, he's transforming our iPhones and iPads with visually stunning apps that are entertaining and educating a new generation of Seuss fans. In honor of Theodor Geisel's birthday, and the release of The Lorax, Oceanhouse Media is putting most of their Dr. Seuss app collection on sale. Happy Birthday to You! on sale for just $3, and other games and books will be offered for free! Keep reading to see our celebratory picks!

Santa's Techie Friends: 10 Christmas Apps For Techie Tots

Nicole Abbott — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:17:08 PST

With less than a month to go before Christmas day, we know tots are all about the holidays! From interactive storybooks to educational holiday games and puzzles, check out these 10 Christmas apps for your iPhone and iPad - and let your kiddos get jolly with technology!

Updated Dr. SexyTime App Coaches You Through Famous Movie Sex Scene Reenactments

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:45 PDT

Version 2.0 of a popular sex app for iOS is out, and it's a doozy. Previously the "Sex Position Guide and Choreographer App," it has been rebranded as Dr. SexyTime Advanced Sex Guide and contains "practical educational content" designed to improve your sex life.

Among the app's many features is the ability to re-create famous sex scenes from movies by offering detailed instructions and even detailed artwork designed to show you exactly how to pull off a variety of . . . experiences. The app also features its own set of "homework assignments" ranging from beginner to "sexpert" level. Another feature randomly selects positions creating a "surprise playlist" if you're feeling adventurous. The app is also customizable - choose a visual presentation and voice to personalize the experience.

The app is priced at $4, which is steep for an iPhone app but probably right in line with this sort of content. In my opinion, consulting your phone or iPad in the moment seems a little silly . . . remember that scene from American Pie where Kevin uses the secret book hidden in the school library for a similar purpose?

A Free App Makes Measuring UV Exposure Easy

Annie Tomlin — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:14:55 PDT

Years ago, finding La Roche-Posay sunscreen was nearly impossible in the States. Because its lightweight texture was so unusual, I used to wheedle friends into buying some while overseas. These days, the brand is readily available at dermatologists' offices and drugstores alike, and it's just launched another year of its SOS - Save Our Skin campaign. Its aim is to educate people about the dangers of UV exposure, and part of the endeavor involves a free iPhone app called My UV Check. The app uses location-based services to assess the strength of UVA and UVB rays - the ones that cause skin to age and burn, respectively. If you're the kind of person who needs convincing when it comes to wearing sunscreen, it's well worth a download.

17 Handy Apps and Sites For Kids to Use This Summer

LilSugar — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:59 PDT

School's out for Summer, and handheld entertainment devices can help fill and save the busy day. If yours is a high-tech home, check out our picks for online video sites, pre-K apps, and social networking sites that will keep your children entertained, engaged, and learning when school isn't in session.

5 Great Places to Find Online Videos For Kids - Every mom has heard the stories about kids wandering onto unsavory sites, but you never think you have to worry about preschoolers. My family used to make a game out of searching YouTube for videos of our favorite characters, but our game came to a quick end one night when my older son selected a seemingly harmless Elmo video that turned out to be a hijacked version of his favorite Sesame Street character featuring words that I don't need my tykes to hear. The experience had me searching for alternatives to the ubiquitous online video site. Here are the best five I've found.
7 Great Social Networking Sites That Are Just For Kids - If your tot or tween has been begging for the ability to update her status, there are many safe, kid-specific social networks to choose from. These sites follow the regulations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which regulates how much personal information sites can ask from children, among other things. Check out the list of the top social networking sites for kids.
5 iPhone Apps to Keep Preschoolers Learning This Summer - Continue to fill lil noggins with information. Children can lose up to two months of knowledge over their Summer breaks, but moms can reverse that trend with their favorite piece of technology. The iPhone's sleek design masks learning opportunities as entertainment, and these fun, educational apps will teach tots a few new things.