Family * Travel * Food

Holiday Gift Idea: FUJIFILM INSTAX mini LiPlay

Have you started buying any gifts for the holidays yet? I have been brainstorming ideas of what to get for my family this year. There are moments where I struggle to think of something different from the usual pajamas, clothes, and beauty products. One thing I do know is you can't ever go wrong with tech gifts, especially since most everything these days is tech-related. Instax has some fun items that are sure to please any gift-recipient.
Have fun on-the-go with FUJIFILM's INSTAX mini LiPlay, the hybrid camera that offers instant print and digital technologies (Retail: $159.95). This camera is super cute and so much fun to use. Charge it up, and insert the instax mini instant film, and you're ready to go!

Just snap your photos and instantly print them out with integrated frames or even sound recording. You can even print directly from your smartphone using the mini LiPlay app. The photos are wallet-sized which is perfect for sharing with friends or family.

It comes with a wrist strap and charging cord. It is so user-friendly, even a kid could use it. My son has been obsessed with taking photos and couldn't wait to take some shots of his favorite subject, our dog!


I can totally see giving this camera as a holiday gift or for a birthday. It is perfect to have at a party where guests can get in a picture with the person of honor and have a photo to take home. There is a nostalgic feeling of having photos develop before your eyes.




Other FUJIFILM items to consider:

Unleash the memories locked away in your smartphone with INSTAX mini Link. Connect the mini instax printer seamlessly over Bluetooth to create fun prints to keep and share with family and friends. (Retail: $99.95)

For those who like big adventure, take your photography to the next-level with the compact FUJIFILM X-A7 mirrorless digital camera . A professional-level camera that takes exceptional images and won't weigh you down on your travels. With an articulating touch-screen, 24.2MP imaging sensor and 4K video recording, users can create amazing content on-the-go. Retailing at $899.00, the FUJIFILM X-A7 with the FUJINON FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5- 5.6 OIS PZ lens kit is the perfect entry to photography and a great way to capture a trip of a lifetime.

Be sure to follow Instax on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for product updates and promotions.

Thank you Instax for providing the INSTAX mini LiPlay for us to review. All opinions are 100% my own.
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TYLT Energi Power Case: A Clean, Stylish Solution To Protecting And Charging Your Phone

TYLT is revolutionizing the way that people can keep their electronic devices charged.  Its products include everything from charging cases for cell phones to a universal portable wireless battery charger.  TYLT even makes a charging backpack so you can charge your phone while commuting or hiking.

Of course, the most convenient way to charge a phone is with the phone’s own charging case.  The right charging case can keep your phone charged for a whole day, no matter how many apps you open.  The Energi Sliding Power case from TYLT is a handsome, efficient phone charging case.  Here are some Energi Power case benefits:


Versatility

The Energi Power case can keep your phone charged for many hours, or it can just be a phone case.  It consists of an inner case that slides onto your phone, and also a charging power sleeve.  If you only want to protect your phone but not charge it, you can just use the inner case.  You can always connect it back to the charging component later.  Just using the inner case is a convenient option if you have to keep your phone in a tiny purse during a wedding.

Excellent Charging Capacity

The Energi Power case increases the amount of time your phone stays charged twofold. You can press a button on the case to see how much charge your phone has at any moment.  The same button will show you how much charge the Energi Power case has. You can charge your phone and the case at the same time.  When you plug the phone with its case into a power source, they will both charge.  You can even charge the phone and case with a wireless phone charger.


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3 Internet Marketing Ideas for Tech Companies

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Have your marketing brainstorming sessions hit a dead end? Are your current strategies to market your technology falling short of set goals? Here you will find some unique marketing strategies and ideas that will help boost your online visibility and presence, attracting the right potential leads.

Why Should a Tech Company Market Itself?

No matter the niche, every organization needs marketing. Marketing is the fuel that drives more traffic to your organization’s website, staying at the front in your customers’ minds, creating new subscribers, leads and customers. Without an Internet marketing strategy, potential customers may not even know you exist, even as they look for products and services you offer.

With great marketing, a tech organization like yours will reach more potential customers, educate the leads on why they should take on your services and create long-lasting, mutually beneficial business relationships. Of course, the main challenge is finding out what online marketing ideas will take your tech organization to the next level.

1. Exchange Your Best Content for Email Addresses

If you do not want to offer your most valuable content to people free, you really do not have to. Instead, consider sending your content by selectively choosing emails or requiring email addresses first in exchange for the content. This strategy will prove valuable in the end.

For example, if your organization has a cloud application that integrates merchant credit services for small businesses, you can have a detailed guide to using the application. Restrict access to the guide until visitors to your website enter their name, company name, email address, or any other information you want. Many users  don’t like to enter a long list of information to get your  content, so  be selective in what you request.After entering the information, the visitor is automatically subscribed to your mailing list or you can channel them to a specific email campaign depending on their niche market.

2. On-Site Forms for Leads

However, you do not need to rely on a single contact form, email address or phone number to attract leads. You can use many alternate methods to convert potential subscribers or customers into leads. Pop-ups are great because they are attention grabbing; unfortunately, few Internet users like them.

If you are not a fan of pop-ups and do not want them on your website, consider adding a Contact Us box on virtually every page on your website. The contact box allows potential leads to have a method of contacting you whenever and wherever they are on your website.

3. Create and Publish Educational Content

If you have not started, this is the best time to start producing content for your website in the form of videos, guides, whitepapers, or posts. Whether you are providing software or hardware solutions, there is a lot to benefit from content that educates customers. The content you post or send to your customers should answer their questions and help them make smarter buying decisions.


Content should not be hyper-focused on your organization’s products and services, it should be relevant to your niche and, most importantly, what your leads are interested in. For example, if you produce networking hardware, you can provide content that will be most helpful to individuals looking for networking solutions. Some of the topics you could focus on include guiding on how to set up networks, blog posts on wireless network security, a video on how to install the equipment or a review of time-tracking software like Clockspot.


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Typically, the content should not push visitors into buying your product, but should help you to rank high in search engines and attracting more customers. In fact, 37 percent of marketers agree that blogs on business websites are most valuable in content marketing. This means that you should post your content on a regular basis for the campaign to be successful.

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Get A Catalyst iPhone Case For Your Summer Adventures! (Giveaway)

School is officially out for the summer in most parts of the country, and the weather is already beach/pool friendly. Many of us are hitting the road looking for adventure this summer. Of course, you can't go anywhere without your trusty iPhone! Even when you are on the sandy beach, hanging out on the lake in a boat, hiking on dusty mountains, or just chillin' poolside, you have to keep an eye on your phone so you don't have an unfortunate accident.

Water, dust, dirt, snow, moisture, and general accidents can destroy your phone. How many times have you 'fatally dropped' your phone? I think I do this daily! Good news, Catalyst cases for the iPhone 7 are made to withstand all of the elements. When you invest in such a great phone (especially for the camera like I did), you want to get the most out of it. It's important to also invest in a good case to protect your precious phone. My theory is if you invest in quality, you won't have to buy it again any time soon.


Why choose Catalyst? It's simple. You can drop your phone on the ground, drop it in water, and get caught in the rain and your phone will be safe. Catalyst cases are waterproof to 10m (33ft)! This means you can take your iPhone under the sea or pool to record your scuba diving excursion or cool underwater pool tricks.

Why do we like this case? It has a clear front and back to show off your phone's color. So this means that pretty silver, black or rose gold color can still be seen. The sides are all shock-proof and the case in itself fits really snug and slim. I like that since I am not a fan of bulky phone cases. Also, if you need to take it off, you don't need the jaws of life to do so. I once had a phone case that got permanently stuck on my phone! The Catalyst case is easy to remove.  Another great thing is you can still hear phone calls clearly as well as listening to video or music. The charging port is easy to get to with no obstruction.


The directions to install your case is done with not only with text, but photos. It makes it a lot easier! There are simple steps to water test it. Check out these videos for details.


The Catalyst case is a must have for summer travel and would make a great Father's Day gift to the dad who lives an active lifestyle. Or if your husband is like mine, he might simply be careless with his phone. You can get full details about the Catalyst case and purchase one here for $79.99. It comes in two colors: Stealth Black & Alpine White. And don't forget a case for your Air Pods! They start at $24.99. The ones pictured below glow in the dark. Catalyst makes other products for your Apple devices as well.
Giveaway: One lucky reader will win a Catalyst Case for the iPhone 7! Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on June 18, 2017. Please follow all rules in the Rafflecopter widget and be sure to use a valid email. One winner will be selected and contacted via email to claim prize. Please be aware that Mom Files is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: We received products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% our own. 
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Could Tech Help You Lose Weight And Tone Up?

There’s no doubt that technology has moved on by leaps and bounds over the last decade. And yet we moms are still waiting for that magic bullet -  a pill that we can take once per day that will make us healthy and melt the fat away.

Although medical science might not be at that stage yet (although with gene editing, we’re getting pretty close), there are all sorts of technologies out there that promise to revolutionize our health. Here are some examples.

Wearables

Wearables have been marketed as a sort of fitness companion - little devices that slip on your wrist or your shoulder and track how much activity you do. There haven’t been any systematic studies of wearables so far, but there are some studies which suggest that they do have an impact. One study, reported by MSN.com, says that people who have a wearable fitness tracker lose more weight than those that don’t. The only problem with the study was that most of the participants had college degrees, which makes it harder to generalize the results to the wider population.

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Another study looked at the effect of having devices that had accelerometers in them to see whether people used them more often. Again, this study indicated that people who owned wearables did more physical activity than those who didn’t. However, many of the participants were also in contact with primary care nurses, which could have been the real reason why they were exercising more.

With that said, a study published in the major medical journal JAMA sound that people who wore wearable tech lost an impressive 7.7 pounds when they tried to lose weight.

Muscle Stimulators

Muscle stimulators are another way that technologies have tried to make losing weight and toning up easier. The most popular brand, Slendertone, works by sending a small electric pulse through a belt that is in contact with the skin. When the electrical pulse reaches the muscle, it forces it to involuntarily contract.

The popularity of these devices is clear. Sites like DontPayFull.com regularly offer money off to people looking for these devices. But do they help you lose weight? The evidence suggests that they are a good way to burn calories passively without having to exert any conscious effort. Sitting burns an average of 80 calories an hour, but with a muscle stimulator, that can be bumped up to nearly 130.

Fitness Apps

Alongside all the gadgets, like muscle stimulators and wearables are also a host of apps. Fitness Builder is an app that is available on the Play Store. It’s an app that keeps track of your workouts and has a comprehensive fitness database, allowing you to input practically any exercise and record your progress.

Another popular fitness app is Endomondo. This app is for people who want to have the convenience of a personal trainer at their fingertips. The first versions of Endomondo were pretty basic. The app simply tracked the route you took for your exercise as well as the time you did it in. But in recent years, the abilities of the app have been significantly expanded. One addition has been the ability to measure your heart rate and calories burned. There’s also now an audio coach who will provide you with motivation if you need it. What’s more, the coaching you get depends on the goals that you input into the app. If you’ve got a goal to run a six-minute mile, the coach will adapt to help you reach that goal.

It’s probably safe to say that technology that helps us lose weight and get fit is here to stay and that it will continue to get stronger in the future. It’s clear that right now, we’re only just scratching the surface of what is actually possible. As obesity becomes a major economic issue, the economic incentives to do something about the problem with multiply exponentially. People who deal with their weight and stay slim will get insurance benefits, have more energy, will live longer and will be more productive in their jobs, potentially earning more money.

The other way that technology could help in the future and is helping right now is to help moms become healthier in their habits. Already we’re seeing a bunch of apps that can help you rustle up a healthy meal, depending on the ingredients you have in your fridge. In the future, our kitchens will become interactive, and they’ll actively suggest recipes and ingredients we should use in real time. They’ll also probably have a thing or two to say if we haven’t been out for our daily exercise.
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Give Your Valentine The Gift Of Power With MyCharge HUBPLUS

Do you have your Valentine's Day gift ready for your Sweetie yet? If not, you better hurry up and get him/her something that is sure to make them feel loved and appreciated. This year, skip the candy and flowers and give them what they really want-- The gift of power! The HUBPLUS Portable Charger from myCharge is a great idea for your Valentine. After all, who doesn't use electronic devices daily? 


The HUBPLUS portable charger is unique because you can charge up to 3 devices at once while you are on-the-go! There are two built-in cables for your iPhone and other micro-USB device, as well as a standard USB port. This makes carrying charging cords a thing of the past. If you travel often, this is a must-have! The best part is that the power bank lasts a long time and can be recharged by plugging it directly into an electric outlet.


I plugged the lightening cable into my iPhone and it charged fully in less than 20 minutes. Of course individual charging time will vary based on make and age of your device. I think about those long car trips we take and how every time my son's tablet will start losing power. Now we can take along our myCharge HUBPLUS and his tablet will stay juiced up for the ride. The compact design and light weight is ideal for taking it anywhere you want. You don't ever want to get caught out there with no battery life for your devices. 



The myCharge HUBPLUS would make a great gift for any occasion. It can be purchased here for $79.99. Be sure to follow myCharge on Facebook and Twitter for the latest promotions and product updates.

I received a product sample from myCharge for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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Valentine's Gifts For The Tech-Loving Fashionista

Valentine's Day is coming up in a few short weeks and you can't forget to get something special for all the loves of your life. Candy and flowers are sometimes overrated, and most women today prefer more long-lasting, useful gifts. When you really think about it, just about everyone carries a smart phone or other digital devices. If you have a fashion and tech lover in your life, you should check out the gorgeous phone cases, wallets, and clutches from Gresso Miami. Their tech protection products are crafted with eco-leather that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Also, the collections have matching items for those who like to be matchy-matchy.

I received some samples for me and my daughters to test out on our iPhones in the following styles and colors below. The difficult part was deciding who would gets what!


The Allure Collection English Rose Wallet is so beautifully designed and has an excellent grip for your phone, along with a few spots to hold your license or cards conveniently. This one is perfect for the lady who sometimes doesn't want to carry a purse or for when you are going to a venue where you want to carry as little as possible. This wallet retails for $30 and there are other colors and patterns available to suit different tastes.


The Constellation Clutch in burgundy (comes in black too) is also perfect for the gal who prefers to carry less. This pretty clutch has 99 sparkling crystals that makes it perfect to go from day-to-night. It holds a phone up to 5 inches and has multiple slots for bank cards and driver's license. This one retails for $70, but I heard it is supposed to be going on sale for Valentine's Day.


This cute snap-on case is from the Extravaganza collection and has a little bit of a retro flair to it. It is crafted using 3D printing technology and provides the perfect lip along the edges to keep your phone protected. This sophisticated case comes in three colors and is on sale for only $15. This is a bargain!


This last case is from the Shiny Crystals Collection and is perfect for girls who love blingy, shiny things. This contemporary case looks like the crystals are attached directly to your phone. It's so pretty in person and provides great protection for your device. Trust me, this is a girly case that any woman would love! It retails for only $27.

There are so many beautiful choices on the site and if you are looking to give something that looks more Valentine's-y, you should take a peek at the Victorian Gardens Collection. The feminine floral patterns with a vintage twist are sure to please your special Valentine.




Of course Valentine's Day isn't just for the ladies! Gresso Miami carries some very nice cases and wallets for men in their Albion Collection. They have a sharp, masculine look that your guy would appreciate.

If you are in search of the perfect gift for the tech lover in your life, I highly recommend Gresso Miami products. Be sure to follow Gresso Miami on Facebook and Instagram for product updates and sales alerts.

I received products samples for review and all opinions stated are 100% my own as always. 
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4 Ways Your Cellphone Might Be Making You Ugly

Our cellphones have become so vital to our daily lives. Research has shown that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day and that we spend a total of five hours using our cellphones to browse the web or use apps. For many, our smartphone is the first thing we look at in the morning and the last thing we check at bedtime. Although quick glances at our phone may seem harmless, it can in fact be affecting us physically, mentally and emotionally. We caught up with some experts who help explain the ugly side of excessive cellphones use.

1. Ugly posture
When we look down at our cellphones we are straining our necks and slouching our shoulders. Doing this can cause some serious damage to our overall posture even leading us to lose up to an inch to an inch and a half of height. “I see up to 10 patients a week complaining of severe neck and shoulder pain. When asked how often they use their phones the typical response is all the time. When pain becomes chronic and severe, surgery has to be considered,” explains Dr. Richard Samperisi, CoFounder of Campus Chiropractic Center at Florida International University & Functional Medicine Practitioner.

2. Ugly eye strain, bags and wrinkles
Not only can staring at your phone all day cause serious neck and shoulder pain, the extreme use of our phones is leading to various eye conditions such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and dry eyes as well as to a condition they like to call “tech neck.” For those concerned with cosmetics and eye appearance constant squinting leads to wrinkles and under eye bags. New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis explains that a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that address under eye bags, drooping and sagging usually range from 5 - $10,000 with a recovery time of up to 2 weeks. He’s also seen a rise in complaints about neck lines and wrinkling skin attributed to excessive cell phone use.

3. Ugly skin
Are you constantly struggling with breakouts around your cheeks or chin? Instead of blaming hormones, junk food or a bad skincare routine consider looking at the device in your hand. “Our cellphones are filled with bacteria. We are continuously touching them with dirty hands, throwing them in our bags, stuffing them in our pockets or putting them on counter tops. Then without even thinking twice we put our phones right up to our ears where all of that bacterium from those dirty areas wreak havoc on our face,” offers Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaly Papantoniou.  She suggests frequently wiping the phone screen and using a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to rid bacteria from building up.

4. Ugly Manners
We see people at restaurants who are more focused on snapping a pic of their meal than enjoying each other’s company. Our persistent use of our cellphones can be affecting our relationships with the people and world around us. “When we focus more on our digital lives rather than the individuals we are with; we are not only giving off the impression that we do not care about what they have to say, we are also letting valuable and meaningful moments pass us by,” explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez a New York City based neuropsychologist and teaching faculty at Columbia University. She suggests putting the phone down and even going cell free twice a week.

Give it a try and see how cutting down on your phone use can also cut down on the ugly.

This article is courtesy of Dr. John Zannis. Follow him on Twitter and check out his website at http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/
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The 6 Best New Language Learning Apps For Your Kids Out Right Now

Guest Post

I’m sure I’m not alone when I admit that I took four years of Spanish in high school because my counselor told me to, but I can’t remember much of it now. It stuck around for a few years but gradually faded away. Kids today don’t have the option to learn a language and forget it—with a growing international economy and global connections, it is becoming so important to speak another language. Not to mention that it looks great on college and job applications, which I’m sure moms everywhere will love.

Luckily for our kids, there are so many more resources than when we were in school. One of the best resources is something your kids are probably using constantly anyway—their smartphones. Set your kids on the path to language learning success with these six great education apps:

Hello Talk (free)

Most kids love to talk, so the chance to learn a new language through conversations with a native speaker is a huge selling point. Hello Talk steps away from strict memorization and quizzes and instead connects users with native speakers around the world to practice their new language skills and get instant feedback. Hello Talk is based on a worldwide network of more than 70 data centers set up by communications company Agora.io, which means that no matter where in the world you or your native speaker are, you can always have crystal-clear communication. It’s a reliable cultural experience for kids that shows them new parts of the world.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

busuu (free)

With no Internet connection required, you can access busuu anywhere and go at your own pace. Busuu works with native speakers around the world to teach languages by listening and speaking, so you can practice what you learn right after each lesson. Another great option is the streamlined learning system, which highlights the top 3000 words and 150 topics you need to know in each language, perfect if you are tight on time.

Download on iOS
Download on Android

Brainscape (free)

Brainscape doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other apps, but it does produce great results that will stick with kids. Brainscape is all about flashcards, and it has a deck of thousands of words for each of the languages it teaches. The more you get a word correct, the less frequently it appears in your deck, just like words you struggle with show up more frequently. Brainscape also customizes your response time to make the flashcards as memorable and effective as possible.
Download on iOS

Memrise (free)

This app combines proven memory techniques with content created by native speakers to create a program that can teach an amazing 44 words per hour. With learning activities varying from videos to rapid recall and more, there’s something to match everyone’s learning style. One of the best features about Memrise is that it covers more than 100 languages, ranging from Arabic to Icelandic, and even languages from your favorite books and movies.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

Duolingo (free)

For game-loving kids, Duolingo is the obvious choice. The lessons are short and highlight a particular grammar principle or vocabulary area. The review activities involve a variety of games, with each correct answer earning the user more points to use within the app’s virtual store. The more you learn, the more levels you achieve—you can even compete against friends and other users to see who can reach certain levels the fastest. That’s huge motivation for my friends, and I love that the program is fun and effective.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

Lingvist (free)

If your child wants to learn French, Lingvist is a great option. Watch out for more languages to come, because this app can turn anyone into a language master in just 200 hours. Lingvist aims to teach practical, usable words and grammar skills and then apply them to situations where you may actually find yourself. The app also adjusts based on your learning progress to help you be as successful as possible.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

As the world continues to get more connected, learning a second (or third) language will become more important than ever. And thanks to mobile technology, it’s never been easier to learn something new. Put your kids on the path to global success with these great apps.

Are your kids learning a language right now?

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CardNInja Smartphone Wallet Review #TossYourWallet

I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for gadgets that help make my life a bit easier. I'm a busy woman and I admit, I love convenience. I received a neat item called the CardNinja Smartphone Wallet. I have heard about it before and was curious to see it in action. I was so happy to get one in magenta. Isn't it pretty?



The CardNinja comes in 6 colors: black, steel, eggplant, gold, blue raspberry & magenta. So what exactly do you do with this thing? This sleek smartphone wallet has an adhesive back designed to stick to most phone cases. All you have to do is peel the paper backing off, position it on your case, cover or phone back itself, and you are ready to use it. You can store your license or ID card, credit/debit cards, cash, earbuds or a single key with ease. This means not having to carry a wallet or purse when it's not convenient.

This is the perfect item for me to take to my son's school on days that I volunteer. I usually take my license out of my wallet and put it with my phone in my pocket. This always had me so paranoid because I once dropped my license on the floor and a teacher handed it to me. With the CardNinja, I can easily keep my license in the pouch along with my car key and feel confident about not losing anything.
You can purchase the CardNinja Smartphone Wallet on their website currently for $9.99 (reg $12.99) or at select retailers including CVS and Walmart. I think this is a perfect back-to-school gift for high school seniors and college students. It's also perfect for moms or dads who are always on-the-go, and would be a good teacher gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays. I love my CardNinja and I know I will get a lot of use out of it.

Find CardNinja on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

I received a sample product for review purposes and all opinions are 100% mine as always. 
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When Should Your Child Get a Smartphone?

It used to be the case that a child's first mobile phone was given to them when they reached the penultimate year of primary school- at this age kids would be more likely to go out and about with their friends more regularly, and it made sense to provide them with a means of contacting their parents. Today though, in the midst of the truly digital age, smartphones are the most popular mobile devices, packing features far more advanced than the mere capability to text and call. Because of these new devices, all manner of questions play through the minds of concerned parents regarding when, why and if they even want to give their children a smartphone.
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When?
Educational professionals recommend that children shouldn't be given their own smartphones until they are at least between 11 or 13 years of age. This is due to the way that smartphones may impair your child's development; children learn primarily from real-world interactions and experiences, and as such if they are tapping away at a screen, indulging in what many of us would easily categorise as escapism, then they simply aren't going to receive the same bountiful upbringing that they might otherwise receive.

Electronic media can be very beneficial from an educational point of view, especially after the child is over 4 or 5 years old, as it can boost their understanding of their school studies, however having a smartphone 'on tap' before the teenage years is not a good situation.

Guidance
Even if you are the parent of a teenager, you should exercise some control over what your child accesses via their smartphone. Pornography, adult comedy, violent and extreme content; all of these things are easily and readily accessible from any search engine. If kids are able to access online gaming sites like Betway Bingo, which are advertised on television and via the net, then they might end up playing too much, racking up bills they simply can't pay. With all of these potential issues, parents can simply set up parental guidance locks via a number of free apps that can readily be downloaded. This will allow parents to block sites and content that they don't want their children viewing.

Timing
It's also a really good idea to talk to your child about the merits and problems surrounding smartphones. If your child is made aware that a truly screen-centric life isn't the norm and will impair their development, they will understand the need the exercise some constraint in their digital activities. If all else fails, apps are also available that allow you to set limits on how long a child can use the internet for each day.

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VTech Learning Cartridges Review for InnoTab Tablets #spon

Disclosure: The VTech product, gift card and information have been provided by VTech.

We recently got the opportunity to review the InnoTab MAX from VTech and it has been a great learning tool for my son. He has been enjoying the many apps the tablet offers. We were super lucky to receive two learning cartridges from VTech that work with the InnoTab tablets including the new InnoTab MAX.
We received Pixar Play and I Spy learning cartridges and my little guy could not wait to check them out.

InnoTab Pixar Play Learning Cartridge
(Ages 4-7 years; MSRP: $24.99)

·  The Pixar Store is open, and it’s time to play! In Pixar Play for VTech's InnoTab Learning Tablets, explore fun games and activities featuring your favorite characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters University and The Incredibles!
·  This InnoTab Learning Cartridge includes a variety of features such as five learning games that introduce spelling, letters, vocabulary, reading, phonics and creativity, an e-Book that retells the story of the movie "The Incredibles," and allows you to take photos with your favorite Pixar characters.

Our thoughts on the InnoTab Pixar Play learning cartridge: 

  • They featured many of his favorite characters that are very age-appropriate. 
  • You can choose your level; easy or difficult.
  • The instructions are very easy to follow. 
  • It is a great way to encourage spelling, phonics and vocabulary. 
  • Your child will feel like they are playing a fun game without realizing they are LEARNING!
  • This is an excellent aid for early readers. 

InnoTab I Spy Adventure Learning Cartridge 
(Ages 4-7 years; MSRP: $24.99)

·  I spy a fun-filled problem-solving adventure in this title for VTech's InnoTab Learning Tablets!
·  Kids can practice early reading skills as they read and solve I SPY riddles and play games to unlock 50 levels of play – each more challenging than the next.
·  Find, match and sore a variety of photo-realistic objects across four action-packed thinking games that build logic, vocabulary and visual discrimination skills.

Our thoughts on the InnoTab I Spy Adventure Learning Cartridge

  • It's very simple to understand.
  • Kids have the option of receiving a hint if they get stumped. This helps reduce frustration when they are trying hard to make a match. 
  • My child feels accomplished when he sees how many levels he has moved up in. 
  • We don't have traditional video games in our home (by choice) so this is a great alternative. 
Both learning cartridges are easy to load on the InnoTab and provide hours of wholesome fun. We are comfortable and know our child is playing something safe that he does not require any monitoring with. Be sure to check out VTech on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. 

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Holiday Gift Guide: VTech® InnoTab MAX (Giveaway) CLOSED

**WINNER IS Kim S.** Congratulations! 
Do you have a little one that you are thinking about purchasing a tablet for, but you aren't quite sure what to get? I might be able to help. The Vtech InnoTab MAX is a really nice high-quality tablet that is built for a kid, yet gives a slightly grown-up feel. Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay and it is important that our kids have access at an early age. The InnoTab MAX is an excellent way to guide your child on using an electronic device while also being able to monitor what they are doing. Check out the details below about the products:

VTech® InnoTab MAX (Ages 3-9 years, MSRP: $109.99)



• VTech’s 4th generation kids’ learning tablet features its fastest processor yet with up to six times the processing power of previous generation and a 7” high-resolution multi-touch screen display

• InnoTab MAX features an enhanced 2nd generation version of Premium VTech Kid Connect™, at no additional charge, allowing children and parents to exchange voice and text messages, photos, drawings and fun stickers in real time between the tablet and a smartphone

•  InnoTab MAX offers the best of both learning worlds with access to more than 650 educator-endorsed, age and stage appropriate learning titles as well as carefully cultivated educational Android apps that can be purchased and downloaded through VTech’s Learning Lodge® app store

• The tablet comes with 15 onboard apps including Premium VTech® Kid Connect, My Magic Beanstalk, Movie Maker, Art Studio, Wonder Cam Max, E-Reader with Story Dictionary and more

•  InnoTab MAX also comes with one free Toca Boca app and two additional free apps that can be downloaded from the Learning Lodge

• Other InnoTab MAX features include a built-in rechargeable Lithium battery and kid-safe Wi-Fi so kids can explore appropriate online games, videos and websites that have been pre-selected by VTech

• Parental controls allow parents to manage their child’s apps, web access and tablet time, as well as view a progress log

My thoughts about the VTech InnoTab MAX:


  • It has a very large screen and the quality and clarity are as good as any other tablet I have used. 
  • We find it to be very user-friendly and my six year old son seems to have no problems navigating through the apps on his own. 
  • I love that I can teach my son how to “text” since he will eventually have his own phone. It’s a great way to introduce it. 
  • It has a really good battery life and I like that it has buttons for volume control, home screen and shut-off/on. 
  • I like the alarm clock function. This is great for teaching your little responsibility to get up in the morning and get his/her day started. 
  • The carrying handle is perfect for smaller hands and the cover is convenient when not in use. It’s also lightweight and perfect for travel. 
  • My son loves the variety of activities available and there are tons of options to purchase and download if you choose (at parent's discretion). 
  • The camera is really neat and I like that you can position it in virtually any direction you want. 
Check out the videos below featuring VTech platform learning expert panelist, Dr. Eric Klopfer, who provides an in-depth perspective of the InnoTab MAX:





This tablet is really great overall and we look forward to exploring the huge selction of apps to find appropriate ones for our son. The InnoTab MAX would make an excellent gift for the upcoming holidays. I'm sure any child would appreciate this item! Be sure to connect with VTech on the web, Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. You can purchase the VTech InnoTab MAX here.

One very lucky Mom Files reader will win a VTech InnoTab MAX just in time for the holidays. Enter below:a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to  US Residents only and will end on November 21, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Review unit and information was provided by VTech. All opinions are 100% my own.
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