LeapFrog Launches LeapBand Activity Tracker For Kids

LeapFrog unveils LeapBand, the first wearable activity tracker for children, designed to get them active and learning while having fun

TORONTO, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ – LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LF), the leader in educational entertainment, today unveiled LeapBand, the first wearable activity tracker designed just for children that encourages active play and healthy habits while nurturing their very own personalized virtual pet. The LeapBand activity tracker gets kids moving and having fun with 50 different activities and challenges, tracking a child’s physical moves so the more active a child is, the more points they earn with their virtual pet. As the child earns points through active play, they can unlock additional games, challenges, levels of play and virtual rewards for their on-screen pet. LeapBand has an aspirational fit-band style designed with children in mind, and high-tech features including a built-in accelerometer, a high-resolution colour screen, a rechargeable battery and water-resistant design, making it the ultimate activity wearable for kids.

“We understand that helping a child reach their potential not only includes making sure they are versed on the ABCs and 123s but they are encouraged through play to establish healthy habits and get the exercise they need every day,” said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog’s Learning Team. “LeapBand is a great way to get kids up and active and help them develop a strong foundation for healthy lifestyles. LeapBand takes inspiration from the growing trend of adult fitness wearables and makes it perfect for kids by bringing the fun and play of physical activities to life with their very own virtual pets.”

Fit Made Fun!
The LeapBand activity tracker comes with eight different customizable pets from LeapFrog’s popular Pet Pals franchise – a cat, dog, dragon, monkey, panda, penguin, robot and unicorn – which can be customized by colour and name. With their very own virtual pal, children can play 10 preloaded active games and challenges with access to 40 additional free challenges. As they move and earn points, kids can unlock each of the additional eight pets and earn virtual toys for each of them as they stay engaged and learning with mini-games including Pet Boogie, Pet Chef and Pet Salon. Kids will have fun completing a variety of activities including “Walk like a crab,” “Spin like a helicopter” and “Pop like popcorn” no matter where they are. LeapBand activity challenges are designed to keep kids active by tapping into their own individual movements without any required equipment.

Continues Dr. Sherman LeVos, “One of the best parts of the LeapBand experience is that kids will have so much fun playing they may not realize all of the physical exercise they are experiencing and the healthy habits they are learning.”

Extend the Fun!
In addition to the active play on LeapBand, the fun is extended to include a free downloadable companion app called the Petathlon. In the Petathlon app, kids can compete as their virtual pet in six mini-games like archery, surfing and bobsledding to win extras including medals and new tracksuits for their virtual pet. The Petathlon app is available for download to a child’s LeapPad Ultra, or an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.*

Availability The LeapBand activity tracker (MSRP $39.99, for children 4 to 7 years old) will be available in green, pink and blue in the U.S. online and at major retail locations beginning August 2014. Additional activities and challenges are free and available for download via LeapFrog Connect for LeapBand. For more information, visit www.leapfrog.com/leapband .

About LeapFrog LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in educational entertainment for children. For nearly 20 years, LeapFrog has created award-winning learning solutions that combine educational expertise, innovative technology and a child’s love for fun. With experiences that are personalized to each child’s level, LeapFrog helps children achieve their potential through LeapFrog’s proprietary learning tablets, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more, all designed or approved by LeapFrog’s full-time in-house team of learning experts. LeapFrog’s Learning Path, the ultimate guide for parents on early childhood, is designed specifically to help support and guide their child’s learning with personalized ideas and feedback, fun activities and expert advice. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California, and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read.

* Petathlon app is compatible with most Apple iOS devices running 6.0 or higher, Google Android devices running 4.03 or higher and LeapFrog’s wireless tablet, LeapPad Ultra.