Subscription-only access to children's content is now common with services like those from Disney (www.preschooltime.com) and Nick Jr. (www.mynoggin.com), but Kids Play signals a new path for a nonprofit like PBS, according to Benjamin Grimley, the senior director for PBS Interactive Businesses.
Grimley said he hoped subscriptions would pay for more than 40 ad-free games by year's end. Other features include a way for parents to set a time limit on use of the service, and progress tracking for up to four children.
It's too bad that the late Rogers, who was known to be an early adopter of new technologies like e-mail, isn't around to offer his thoughts on this new type of Web-based neighborhood.
STREAMLINED RECHARGE
The area on and around many modern bedside tables has become a rat's nest of charger wires for phones and other gadgets. The Idapt intends to change that with a unique triple charger that just might also complement the duvet.
The Idapt is a flat charger with one power cable and three slots that can hold various charging tips. To charge phones or MP3 players, you simply place the proper tip into the Idapt and connect the device. There are tips available for the iPod, Nokia phones and Nintendo DS Lite, among others. There is also a mini-USB charger that should work with almost any phone or MP3 player.
The Idapt, which is made by a Spanish company, is available online at www.idaptweb.com for about US$65.50, which includes four different tips. A new version, arriving next month, will come in a choice of colors including bright orange and pink, but for now the selection is limited to black or white.
While dust bunnies and slippers might miss the natty tangle of wires under the bed, those who use them most likely will not.
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