In a move that highlights the continuing struggle between big-box retailers and encroaching technology, Toys “R” Us announced today that it is releasing Tabeo, its first ever children’s tablet. The toy giant’s new seven-inch tablet will come complete with Wi-Fi and 50 preinstalled apps and games, and will run on Google’s Android system, the company said in a press release. The tablet can connect to the Internet, but has several parental control options that nervous parents can use to restrict Internet access with. The tablet is available to preorder on toysrus.com for $149.99 and won’t hit stores until Oct. 21.
The new tablet is clearly a ploy by Toys “R” Us to resist turning into an expensive product showroom, much like Best Buy has become. Both companies were once big-box titans, but in the age of Amazon
Meanwhile, companies like Amazon have proven that the pivot into the tablet market is a profitable one to make. Its old Kindle tablet sold out last week in anticipation of the company’s newest tablets, announced last Thursday. The new and improved Kindle and Kindle Fire may be forces to be reckoned with, but Toys “R” Us’ new tablet will be competing in an entirely different arena.
Right now the children’s tablet market is still pretty sparse, with only a few companies targeting the niche. One of the best in the business is LeapFrog
Will the new Tabeo bring about the apocalypse for iPads or Kindle Fires? Probably not, but anyone with a kid will almost certainly see the new Tabeo on a wish list at some point this holiday season. That’s reason enough to keep an eye on the new tablet and see how much market share Toys “R” Us can steal from its digital competitors.
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