Augmented reality has come a long way in recent years. This interactive gaming experience can bring travel to life in a whole new way for kids, through 3-dimensional learning. That’s why, when I heard about Orboot by Shifu, I just knew it would be a hit in our house.
The Perfect Gift for Kids
My daughter Scarlett is five and she already loves the idea of virtual travel. She is my guinea pig for most virtual tours, and jumps at any chance to “visit” someplace new. I knew Santa had to deliver on this one.
When she opened it on Christmas morning, the moment was anti-climactic. Without really knowing what this globe was capable of, she tossed it in a pile with some other unknowns that she would eventually revisit. But later that evening, as we sat in front of a fire, she began her journey around the world.
Setup to Smooth Sailing
While it works on many devices, from iPad to Android, I chose my phone because it was small and more manageable for her tiny hands. After half an hour of downloading software (the only time you’ll need a WIFI connection), she was off and running with very little support. The text to speech capabilities are the best part—even the littlest travelers, who can’t read, can have fun exploring!
I really can’t say enough about the Orboot and how versatile it is. Kids learn about different categories by scanning images on the globe: animals, cultures, cuisine, inventions. Scarlett especially loves the mysteries—short stories that take her on a global treasure hunt. There is a quiz mode and one that allows you to build your own national park. My older daughter (a Minecraft addict) really enjoys this feature. It’s really no wonder this product has been recognized with several awards.
At first I thought the price point was a bit steep, but seeing all that it can do (and how much my daughter loves it), I think $54 is a steal. It is just so packed full of information, I find it to be the perfect homeschool companion during these times when I’m forced to play teacher. The Orboot is a 3-dimensional encyclopedia that covers science, geography and social studies in one, entertaining lesson. And it feels more like play than school.
If you are looking for something new to keep your kids entertained at home, I urge you to give the Orboot a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It is worth every penny!
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