These days, just about everything can be connected to the internet. Toys are no different. Connected toys are devices that can be connected to the internet via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and can be voice activated and even have web-searching functions. They are commonly known as Smart Toys and are the next thing to go viral. Here is everything you need to learn about connected toys.
They Build Skills Just Like Any Toy
The purpose of all toys is to build children’s skills from social skills to cognitive skills. Connected toys can also help children to build these important skills, just like the more traditional toys you might have played with when you were younger.
They’re Not Just for Kids
While toys might seem like they are a kid’s thing—that is not always true. Anyone can play with connected toys. In fact, many people use kids toys as a means of forgetting about work or adult life for a little while. The connected toys can be very fun to play with. There are robots and remote controlled cars that adults will love just as much as kids.
Benefits
Not only are these connected toys beneficial for children, but they can be beneficial for parents as well. Some toys can act as a companion while a young child is trying to sleep. There are also toys that can act as a baby monitor with video so that parents can see their children sleeping – or not! Connected toys allow children to be creative, independent, and start learning about technology early on.
Privacy
One thing to consider is the privacy of personal information. Just like any other time you use the internet or a connected device, you should be mindful of the personal information that you are putting out there for others to see. It is especially important if you have a child using a connected toy to be careful of what information they are putting out there as well. In addition, you should probably have a talk with them about keeping their personal information private just to be safe.
There is Still More to Come
Technology continues to advance each and every day. Chances are, this is not the end. As a matter of fact, this is just the beginning of Artificial Intelligence. Many of the connected toys can learn how a child speaks and can interact with it to have an experience geared for the child’s interest and needs. They are a sign of things to come.
Final Words
Connected toys, like any other connected devices, are a thing of the future. It is surprising to think about how far technology has come since many adults were kids. Many could never dream up the kinds of toys and technology that are out there today. It is certainly beneficial to get your children using technology as early as possible so that they are prepared for their future. Who knows how much technology will advance before children today are grown up?
Some links in this post may be paid.
Photo: Getty Images