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Generation Z Disruptive Innovation
June 1, 2015
As Millennials begin to step into parenthood, Gen-Z is beginning to draft up their first college essays and earn their first paychecks. The brands and businesses who learn to engage them now are going to be tomorrow’s winners. But you already know that.
Gen-Z has never known a world without the touchscreen (and all of the educational, playful and expressive opportunities found therein). Their social networks look different than ours–it’s the immersive, constructive games they play and the messaging chat apps that allow them to artfully communicate.
It’s Snapchat, Steam and Line, not Facebook and Twitter and Tumblr.
Kids are growing up with a digital footprint before they even leave the womb.
Understanding this now, and continuously examining this landscape, frequently gives us a foundation to predict new “Z” behaviors and engineer experiences for them that stick.
To be interesting to Gen Z you must first and foremost, be there for them on-demand and ever present. This one feature, (known as a premium to Gen X and even some Millennials), is a forgone conclusion in the world of Z. They have (and have always have had) unprecedented access to information and enrichment. And that access is only becoming greater.
The following pages are an information blast of products that have inspired us, by clearly delivering on and supplementing these demands.
The question is – will you?
This document contains 106 products forming the backbone of how Gen Z live, work and play.
Making your Second-Screen, your game encompassing Only-Screen.
Have you ever wanted to watch your favorite shows, while playing your favorite games, based on those shows? Well now, if you live in Australia, you can. Cartoon Network’s Watch & Play app allows you to sync Cartoon Network games right alongside your favorite Cartoon Network shows.
Learn more: Cartoon Network Anything
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Step into your TV.
Abby’s Fairy Rock expands the world of TV from the wall to your lap with this interactive second screen companion. Learn and play guitar with Abby's band and watch her fly from the big screen to the one in your hand. Do more than watch TV, be a part of it in this amazing augmented reality screen merging app. It made a huge splash at CES 2013 and we’re looking forward to the next generation of immersive TV experiences.
Learn more: twomoos.com
© Makeable 2015
There’s goblins and games hidden all around you.
Hidden Park is the awesome augmented reality game that gets your kids off the couch and outdoors chasing down clues to unlock adventures. Let the iOS app guide your kids on mini geotagged missions in your local park where taking photos, and memorializing the experience is part of the game. While the app isn’t new, it’s an excellent storytelling platform bridging kid’s physical and digital behaviors.
Learn more: thehiddenpark.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Finally, a way to build and collect your own robots.
Let your imagination come to life within the immensely creative Robot Factory. Build your bots from the numerous custom features, then let it run, roll, hop or tumble as you take it for a test run. Kids can spend hours experimenting with and sharing different robot combinations and functions.
Learn more: tinybop.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
The virtual world taking over every kid's life, and a little bit of ours.
Minecraft is not only Gen-z’s hottest game, but it's also their hottest social hang-out-spot. In Minecraft, the possibilities are endless; explore your favorite cities built to scale, ride a rollercoaster, or play paintball and capture the flag. The possibilities are growing exponentially, and we’re on the edge of our seats to see what will happen next.
Our advice, if you have time to kill, is just dig around youtube. If you still aren’t convinced, the next few slides of our favorite Minecraft innovations should do it.
Learn more: minecraft.net
© Makeable 2015
Build it, explore it, and teach it in a virtual classroom.
Minecraft is full of hidden gems, and it's not all booby traps and giant recreations of mythical worlds like you may have heard. Some people are building educational experiences with the platform that help players explore actualized structures in a fun and new comprehensive format. Walk through a human body or explore the inner workings of an engine. You can even find a personal tour guide on Youtube.
Watch: Take a trip through the human body
© Makeable 2015
It’s really a virtual world when countries begin colonizing.
Denmark recently built a 1-to-1 model of its own country in Minecraft. The purpose was to educate users and allow them to explore, even build a house and move in. That is, unless the whole city gets vandalized first. Some Minecraft pranksters snuck in and blew it up with TNT subsequently placing American flags throughout. Aside from the controversial act of virtual vandalism, the fact that Denmark accomplished such a feat is an exceptional tribute to the versatility of the creative platform.
Watch: Take a tour of Denmark in Minecraft
© Makeable 2015
When you build a wall, someone is going to figure out how to tag it.
Graffiti has officially entered the world of Minecraft in the form of a mod that allows users to spray blocks different colors. Adjust the brush and leave your mark on your favorite brick wall. We wonder how much the Banksy Minecraft wall will go for.
Watch: Digital graffiti in action
© Makeable 2015
Now you can visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom from the comfort of your couch.
The Magic Kingdom has opened its digital doors. A family of servers host a recreation of the world famous Disney theme park built at a 1-to-1 scale of the original. It’s downloadable, explorable, and playable. Within the expansive volunteer run creation, you will find nightly fireworks, shows, events, games and more. The expansive nature of the MCMagic servers are a true reflection of Disney’s empire.
Learn more: mcmagic.us.
Watch: Take a virtual tour of the Magic Kingdom
© Makeable 2015
Skip the lines, cold hot dogs and lost hats. Minecraft has roller coasters you can ride for free.
These Minecraft coasters offer something different from the twisty vomit inducers you’re used to. Each unique masterpiece of art and engineering will take you dipping-n-diving through an elaborate visual journey. Words cannot describe the brick-by-brick attention to detail it takes to create these experiences.
Watch: The Night Rail Before Christmas
© Makeable 2015
You would think, in a virtual Lego-like world, building things by hand would be the fun part.
Well, it is, even if you’re building and programming a giant virtual 3D printer that can make everything for you. The complexities of the processes that run this virtual machine are outstanding in-and-of itself. It takes a binary genius to engineer something as complex as this out of blocks.
Watch: 3D Printer With 16 Colors (Minecraft Invention)
© Makeable 2015
On the internet, pranks are inherent. But the “Rickrolling” world we once knew is gone.
In a game with little-to-no rules, and exhaustive creative options, the pranks are amazing. From drowing users hard earned houses to boobie traps, Minecraft is a world laden with prank wars.
Watch: Creative pranks in Minecraft
© Makeable 2015
Have you ever been playing a game, just wishing you could conjure that magical tool you need to beat a level?
Typically you’re stuck with the boring tools the game provides you, we’ve been there, except when we’re playing Scribblenauts. It’s the fun little game that lets you unleash your imagination, type and conjure almost anything to overcome the level at hand. Will a firebreathing-unicorn-pegasus get the job done? Type it in and try it out. It’s that easy, and that awesome.
Learn more: scribblenauts.com
© Makeable 2015
Here’s another reason to shout over your friends at the bar.
Headsup is the mobile game sweeping friends and families across the nation. It’s the fun crossover game of hot potato and Scattergories. Hold the phone to your head and guess the object you’re holding up as your friends describe it aloud. But don’t get caught with the phone when your timer runs out. We’ve seen many thrown phones in our experiences with this game, so make sure you have a good case.
Learn more: ellentv.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
You know all those in-between moments in traditional RPG’s…
...when you’re fishing between dragon hunting or getting clothes for your character after killing some zombies? Well, Animal Crossing is an entire game made up of those moments combined with an aspiration to collect, only comparable to a 12 year old on “Free Magic The Gathering Card Pack Day.” Spend your days farming, selling for profit, trading, decorating your house or collecting for your museum. It’s extremely addicting and kids love it.
Learn more: animal-crossing.com
© Makeable 2015
Who knew something so hideous could sound so good?
In this extremely creative economy simulation game, you can build a sustainable village of monsters, that sing. Each monster makes a unique noise, but together, it’s a symphony. Make money, hire new monsters and customize your song. Grow, breed and collect tons of fun creatures to make your own unique orchestra.
Learn more: mysingingmonsters.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
It’s all around you. Outside your window, on your way to work, at your mom’s house… everywhere.
Ingress is the augmented reality game that you’re always playing. Identify geotagged portals, capture them and solve puzzles created by the other team. It’s essentially a giant AR game of capture the flag, played all over the world.
Learn more: ingress.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
The 8 second game you could play for hours. Always fresh, never tiered games, videos and more.
There’s not much else to say for CN Anything, but it’s always changing and you never know what you’re going to get next. The game cycles through 8 second mini challenges, or sometimes it’s just a clip from one of their shows. Whether you like it or not, it’s perfectly designed for the bite sized content this generation craves. It’s a perfect commercial break app if you ask us.
Learn more: cartoonnetwork.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Welcome to Snapchat’s official expedition into taking over TV and the disruption of cable as you know it.
Snapchat recently unveiled two serialized series: one by their studio, and one by AT&T. Without discussing the extremely poor writing of the show, let’s talk about how this is actually one space where the future of scripted and unscripted TV will live. With the attention span of future generations dropping, and Snapchat processing over 100 million monthly active users, short, ephemeral, limited edition video, is exactly what they need.
Learn more: snapchat.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Chat has just been project manager-ed.
Slack is the chat network taking over companies everywhere. It’s an amazing way to organize team conversations by project or task, send files through, or simply connect and collaborate with a client or partner. Investors are banging down their door and we wouldn't be surprised if we saw a more social, less professional network come from their lab in the future.
Learn more: slack.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Maybe, chat should have just been a doorbell this whole time.
Dingbell recently launched along with the Apple Watch to be a minimalist chat network. It’s as simple as one “ding” for a positive response, two “dings” for a negative response. In a world heading towards easily accessible buttons on our wrists, it’s easy to imagine how this could take the place of follow up texts like: “Did you get home okay” or “Are you there?”
Learn more: dingbel.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Here’s the product that’s pissing off PPV TV, and redefining what it means to share an experience.
It used to be, sharing an event meant either attending with a friend, or telling them about it after. Even virtual experience sharing had a time delay through existing platforms. Now sharing experiences can be done in real time, and it’s raw and uncut with Periscope; it’s the most authentic real-time experience sharing network that has ever existed.
Learn more: periscope.tv
Try it: Android
© Makeable 2015
The ephemeral media network taking the world by story.
Follow friends, brands and influencers as they unleash 24-hour stories of raw, unedited glimpses into their most personal moments. It’s amazing how the ephemeral nature of Snapchat makes people feel more comfortable sharing their unedited and personal stories. It’s like a stream of everything that wasn't quite good enough for Instagram.
Learn more: snapchat.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
The messaging app turned commodity.
The app that began with fun and creative emoji-like characters has become such a phenomena that it’s expanded into a suite of apps, shows, physical toys, and brand partnerships. It’s a collectible culture filled with limited edition and premium characters. But that’s not all–the expansive selection of emojis is easily accessible at your fingertips with an autocorrect-esque suggestion UI that we wish Apple would incorporate into Messages.
Learn more: line.me
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
It’s starting to look like one day, we might just ditch our phone numbers.
We have to hand it to Facebook on this one. They recognize that Timeline might not be timeless and the future of social networking is in messaging. They’re in the infancy of taking it one step beyond Line by allowing a variety of creative apps to be used as messaging content through their platform. Genius Facebook, just… genius.
Learn more: messenger.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Emojify yourself.
Create surprisingly accurate cartoons of yourself, add captions and make comics with your friends. But that’s not all, take your character and create a unique set of emotive iterations you can use in Facebook’s Messenger app. It’s yourself as emoji.
Learn more: bitmoji.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
The little yellow gender-neutral face that started… words without letters.
Words are used to define emotions and expressions are how we convey them. When it became a keyboard, it was the most fun way tell someone how you felt. In 5,000 more years, scientists will be attempting to decipher encrypted digital hieroglyphic-esque conversations filled with yellow characters to understand the complex nature of Generation-Z.
Learn more: getemoji.com
© Makeable 2015
It’s just like passing notes in class… but without killing trees.
Sometimes, not everything can be put into words or emojis. Those times call for Sketchat; the app that lets you draw on a piece of digital paper and slide it down the aisle to your friends. Play games, collaborate, chat, or just send a clever illustration. We think it’s cute, and if Facebook Messenger hasn’t already thought to add it to their platform, they should.
Learn more: sketch.at
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
It was only a matter of time before the conversation around movies, became more important than the movie itself.
That’s what happened in select Chinese movie theaters. They finally stopped fighting the whole “turn off devices” issue and decided to embrace it by allowing people’s text conversations to show up on screen. It was a huge success and they are intend to expand the Bullet Screens.
Learn more: Bullet screen
© Makeable 2015
It’s more than just playing a game… it’s hosting it too.
Gaming has already trumped TV in media consumption, especially now that gaming is passive entertainment as well. Twitch is the streaming network for gamers. Over 45 million users stream their live games through Twitch, so there’s always something on and to no ones surprise, it has created a new breed of celebrity–the game host.
Learn more: twitch.tv
© Makeable 2015
Teen style icon, DIY Youtuber and teen star of the year, Zoella is the sensation sweeping the Internet.
Her infectious personality shines through her DIY, hair and makeup tutorials and other creative videos to the extent of 8 million plus subscribers.
Learn more: zoella.co.uk
© Makeable 2015
Meet the unofficial official host of Minecraft.
With almost 6 million subscribers to his Youtube channel, Stampy entertains his viewers by exploring the vast world of video games. His personality shines through his spirited dictations as he uncovers traps, structures and servers from the deepest corners of the platform. It’s a real treat to run into Stampy, you never know when you, or something you built might end up on his channel and be seen by millions.
Watch: “Stampy” Youtube Channel
© Makeable 2015
Top Chef, from the kids-table to the White House.
Founder of the Kids Can Cook show, TED Talk host, and being a guest speaker/chef on almost every major cooking network are only a few of the many accomplishments 12 year old Haile Thomas has accrued lately. She gained an interest in cooking at the age of 5 and has been hard at work since, spreading her knowledge of healthy eating to kids everywhere. She’s even been invited to the White House (several times) and helped the Hyatt figure out their kids menu.
Learn more: hailevthomas.com.
© Makeable 2015
All any kid has ever wanted was to be on TV.
If you were a TV network, think about how you would reach every kid if you were to treat them each as their own unique market segment. They would need their own commercial, right? Well, that’s what CN Sayin’ is. It allows every kid a chance to express their creativity on one of Cartoon Network’s between-show bumps. It’s your time to shine!
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
From the hallway to the runway, she’s got major fashion labels offering her gigs at the age of 4.
It started when a mother made a blog to showcase the mock red carpet dresses her daughter made out of paper. Soon enough, the blog built up steam and big brands like J.Crew were knocking on her figurative door to design a children’s collection. If she doesn’t have her own line in the next few years, our jaws will be on the floor.
Learn more: fashionbymayhem.com
© Makeable 2015
The TV network born on Youtube.
It’s the aggregate channel for some of the internet’s best Youtube talent. From scripted to non scripted shows, it’s literally for kids by kids. They continue to discover new talent and are bringing it from your desk to your living room. It’s even on services like Roku. Watch out Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. AwesomenessTV is stepping up to plate.
Watch: AwesomenessTV
© Makeable 2015
The app captivating even the shortest of attention spans.
Vine’s bite size videos are perfect for the short, snackable content kids demand. It’s great for car rides, commercial breaks or even some friends gathered around the iPad. It allows anyone to be a creator, and has spawned a new network of celebrities. Vine kids gives the younger Gen Zs the opportunity (and parental peace of mind) to view all the fun COPPA compliant content currently on the network.
Learn more: Vine and Vine Kids.
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
It’s giving the term “movie magic” a new leg to stand on.
Select a couple photos and videos, a movie style and song, and sit back and wait. What will soon come to you in the form of a push notification is a beautifully edited video montage of the clips you selected. Yup, now do it again, and again, and again...
Learn more: magisto.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Hit the action button in your boring life.
Make any scene explosively awesome with the Action Movie FX app. It’s as easy as selecting an effect (or disaster), recording a video and watching that video become annihilated. Any kid (and even us as “adults”) could easily have a blast with this easy actionify button.
Learn more: actionmoviefx.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Don’t eat anything from Oscar’s trash can… well maybe a few things.
Cartoon characters and puppets are celebrities too. So why not give them a life outside of the scripted shows they originated from. It’s a great way to build on the character’s personalities and engage kids outside of TV. Kid’s eyeballs are shifting screens more and more each year, we wouldn't be surprised if we didn’t see more characters expanding out of their shows into new media platforms.
Learn more: sesamestreet.org
© Makeable 2015
The eyedropper tool for the real world.
This seemingly magical pen enables you to scan any object, of any color, and draw in that color on any surface, instantly. Bonus: it saves the hex code and doubles as a stylus. No kidding.
Learn more: getscribblepen.com
© Makeable 2015
Redesigning breakfast with
pixels.
We all know kids love to play with their food. We still make make gears with pancake batter for breakfast every morning. So naturally, these two creative breakfast devices will be a hit. Pop pixels in a waffle maker and make edible pixel art, or if you’re a little more advanced, render a pancake image for this pancake printer. Syrup sold separately. Neither product is in production yet, but we’ll be very disappointed if they don't pop up sooner or later.
Learn more: Pixel Waffle Maker and Pancakebot
© Makeable 2015
A suite of videos, books and games, starring YOU.
From the dream of a couple of dads seeking a safe digital platform for their kids to play and learn on, Storybots was born. It takes your face and makes it the main character of all the activities. It’s fun, even for adults.
Learn more: storybots.com
© Makeable 2015
Full bleed clothing, from camera roll to closet.
We can see how this simple app could take off. Full bleed clothing is popular. So why not make a shirt from your favorite memory, or maybe your favorite hamburger. Whatever image you use, its fun, simple and unique–pretty much the recipe for success. There was recently a newer version of the same concept called Yo Shirt, check them both out.
Learn more: Snapshirt and YoShirt.
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Lip sync battle with your friends, through messenger.
Everyone from Taylor Swift to our parents are doing it. Dubsmash is the fun new app (and Messenger plugin) that allows you to use your front facing camera to record yourself lip-sync singing your favorite songs. Things can get real goofy, and it’s taking off. Just search #Dubsmash on Instagram. We just wish they’d integrate it with Snapchat.
Learn more: dubsmash.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
So strange, so entertaining. The latest self animation craze has hit the internet.
Recently we saw a lot of our friends end up on a stripper pole in videos on the internet. And the weird thing is, the job market is fine. It was animated versions of themselves through the My Idol app appearing on Instagram. Take a selfie, and watch your dance skills come to life in your animated likeness.
Learn more: myidolapp.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Animate your own creations directly into the magical world of Disney.
Draw your character and watch it come to life right beside Mickey, in his world. Allowing kids to participate in the shows they watch is one of the most innovative ways to engage them that we have seen in a while. We can’t wait until this gets more expansive.
Learn more: disneyimagicademy.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
The karaoke meets guitar hero social network.
In Smule you can start a cover band with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Pick the instrument you want to play, and play along with other real people. Over time, you build a rating, unlock new songs and even gain followers. It’s fun, addicting and social. It’s every kids dream.
Learn more: smule.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Animate cartoons, live.
Adobe’s character animator is an amazing way to bring your photoshop characters to life with your webcam. It analyzes your facial movements and records your voice through the character you're animating. Endless fun for any Adobe-savvy artist (which is a significant percentage of kids these days).
Learn more: blogs.adobe.com
© Makeable 2015
A totally customizable app for a totally customizable snack.
Lunchables launched these two apps to really allow kids to express their creativity either visually or acoustically. They are both incredibly simple, easy to use and provide a fun and unique sort of remixed version of yourself. Mix up your voice, or your face with K-Face and Kabeat Kabox.
Learn more: kids.lunchables.com
Try Kabeat Kabox: Android and iOS
Try K-Face: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Mashup the Internet.
Trio is the fun mixer app that allows you to mash up text, gifs, video, sound and images to create a small shareable video. Creating personalized content to share is practically currency among Gen-z, so this is pretty much a brick of gold.
Learn more: trioapp.co
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Create and stream custom videos with this COPPA certified video platform for DIY creatives.
The cool part about viddiverse (aside from being totally kid friendly) is the tools it gives you to customize your videos with effects. It’s essentially an online video streaming and editing platform in one.
Learn more: viddiverse.com
© Makeable 2015
A genius repurposing of your iPad camera.
This innovative application uses a mirror to redirect your iPad camera to the table so you can interact with the app using physical objects. The games allow kids to learn and play through a fun and collaborative physical-meets-digital interface. Its so simple, and so smart.
Learn more: playosmo.com
© Makeable 2015
Build against the clock and chalk up points in this creative lego physical-digital platform.
Unfortunately, this platform is no longer available for download (most likely due to Lego’s evolving suite in the physical-digital world), but this game was a fantastic way to put your lego engineering skills to the test. Compete in challenges, build your project and scan it into the app to earn points.
Learn more: george.lego.com
© Makeable 2015
The race is physical and the battle is virtual.
These complex racing robots are powered by a digital world of superchargers and laser cannons–all controlled via your phone. These cars may automatically steer themselves around the track, but you control the speed, lane and most importantly, the weapons you use.
Learn more: anki.com
© Makeable 2015
A reactive smart bulb expanding your shows beyond the TV.
Remember when the Syfy Channel built an app that synced your Hue bulbs with certain shows on your TV? Huey does that with anything you watch. Sync your Hue bulbs, point your phone at the TV and watch your whole room come to life.
Try it: Android
© Makeable 2015
The ball that’s a game.
This amazing remote control ball integrates with a seemingly endless amount of apps. Our favorite apps on the platform are the AR integrated games where the ball becomes the character you control.
Learn more: gosphero.com
© Makeable 2015
The RPG that plays itself.
Set your alarm clock and let your player get some rest. Check on him throughout the day, at any time he could be defeating monsters, socializing with robots or just walking around. The more he does, the higher level he gets. All you have to do is let him sleep an appropriate amount of time and he does the rest. As a generation that’s always connected, they are always playing to.
Learn more: dreeps.net
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
Draw your game, beyond the Adventure Time world.
This mobile game comes with some incredibly creative, customizable features. One of the best ones is the ability to draw your own level on paper, scan it in and play it. It truly allows kids to use Cartoon Network as a channel to express their creativity, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Learn more: atgamewiz.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
The conditional logic for your smartphone, packaged for the everyday user.
This packages scripts to seamlessly connect all of your tech with if-then statements, either automatically or through the push of a button. This seemingly magic app has opened its platform up to developers to submit and search recipes making the possibilities for non-developers virtually endless.
Learn more: ifttt.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Bringing Legos to life through your gaming console.
Lego Dimensions is Lego’s latest foray into the toy-to-life market. It’s expansive system of legos connect to the game allowing you to play as whatever character you want, when you want. It’s the latest product up against Skylanders, Disney Infinity, and Nintendo’s Amiibo. It’s a great new market blurring the lines between the physical and digital playspace.
Learn more: lego.com
© Makeable 2015
Mix and match toy characters to unlock unique abilities in a virtual world.
These Lego-compatible brick characters have interchangeable body parts and accessories that, when scanned into the game, give them unique powers in play. We love that they are compatible with Lego sets, as it gives kids the opportunity to truly take the SickBricks experience wherever they want.
Learn more: sickbricks.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
How to bring your iPad to the playground and make it active.
Clip this motion sensor onto any standard playground equipment and watch it transform into a digital game on your iPad. The physical play controls how the digital game is navigated. Let’s just hope no one drops their iPad.
Learn more: hybridplay.com
© Makeable 2015
Bring your imagination to life adding real sound effects to playtime.
This amazing wearable acts as a sound effects device triggered by your movement. It’s as easy as setting the sound on your app, and you're off to play rockstar, secret agents or whatever you or your kid can dream.
Learn more: moff.mobi
© Makeable 2015
The Star Trek-like communicator for kids and parents.
This awesome communicator lets parents stay connected with their kids, and kids stay connected with friends, wherever they are. The nifty parental control UI is what won us over, and we think it offers some great insight into how technology can help parents monitor their kids digital activities.
Learn more: heycubi.com
© Makeable 2015
The invisible leash for your kids.
The guardian is essentially a tracker that lets you monitor your kids at all times and set perimeters that alert you when they are breached. It just goes to show, even helicopter parents are tech savvy.
Learn more: beluvv.com
© Makeable 2015
The wearable kid’s smartphone.
FiLip gives kids most of the functions a phone would allow; calling, texting and time. It also comes with built-in parental controls. It’s another example of the trend of parents wanting to control their kid’s technology connections through wearables.
Learn more: myfilip.com
© Makeable 2015
The activity-fed Tamagotchi.
Miiya is an activity tracker designed like a game to keep kids active. At the end of the day parents can monitor their kids activity, and kids are motivated to stay healthy. We’re glad to see some companies using technology to battle the childhood obesity epidemic instead of feeding it.
Learn more: mymiiya.com
© Makeable 2015
Who said your phone’s games need to be limited to your phone’s screen?
This game links with your Chromecast device to build a Wii-like experience using your phone as a wand. The accelerometer in your phone has many uses, and in our opinion, it's often under utilized.
Learn more: motiontennis.tv
Try it: Android
© Makeable 2015
The coolness of coding real apps fueled by getting presents in the mail.
It’s your kid’s monthly box of code! We know kids have a short attention span, and can tire easily. The answer? Each month there’s a new coding activity to keep them interested. Kid’s are growing up with coding as a new language and a new interest. It’s only natural we figure out a way to fuel that interest, and our future programmers.
Learn more: bitsbox.com
© Makeable 2015
Bringing coding and game development to the real world.
Recess just got a whole lot more tech savvy. This ball comes equipped with color changing LED’s and an accelerometer to program games through if-then statements. Kids can stay active and social while also being able to apply their creativity to learning new tech skills.
Learn more: hackaball.com
© Makeable 2015
Learn to program and code, off screen.
Sounds like an oxymoron? It’s not, and it’s a great way for families to play together, while teaching kids basic programming fundamentals.
Learn more: robotturtles.com
© Makeable 2015
Program Robbie the robot to help him get home.
Help Robbie navigate each level by writing code telling him what to do. Having access to robotic hardware can be difficult for some kids, but this is a great gaming based solution to help any kid learn to program on any budget (as long as there’s access to an iPad).
Learn more: robotschoolapp.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Tiny, affordable, programmable and customizable robots for everyone.
Cost shouldn't be anyone’s barrier to accessible technology. Edison isn’t just affordable, it's compatible with Lego parts. So if you can think it, you can built it, and program it too.
Learn more: meetedison.com
© Makeable 2015
Transforming ideas into robots.
Makeblock offers extensive kits to build almost any machine. The best part is, it’s all affordable and completely customizable. The possibilities are almost limitless with the extent of hardware offerings in their store.
Learn more: makeblock.cc
© Makeable 2015
Kickstarter for Lego sets. Brickstarter?
Who better to inspire the next Lego sets than the Lego builders themselves. If you have a great idea for the next Lego set, go over to their site, get 10,000 backers and it might just get made.
Learn more: ideas.lego.com
© Makeable 2015
The Lego of circuit boards.
These little miniature circuit boards, sensors and various electronic pieces clip together like magnets so you can build all sorts of fun contraptions. They even sell a set to build a synthesizer. Their platform integrates with IFTTT and their instructions are easy to follow. It’s a great way to learn about building and programming hardware.
Learn more: littlebits.cc
© Makeable 2015
Coding with color.
These little programmable robots are operated by a color based coding language to teach deductive reasoning and robotic behavior in an easy to understand interface. They work with iPad games and even paper, as long as there’s color patterns for the sensor to pick up.
Learn more: littlebits.cc
© Makeable 2015
Learn to build electronics
while playing every kids
favorite game–Minecraft.
Navigate a custom Minecraft adventure map as a buggy robot, by building hardware pieces from mission control. The game gives you feedback to unlock new abilities and power ups as you successfully build your way through the game.
Learn more: withpiper.com
© Makeable 2015
The open API that made coding fun and easy.
Invented by google, reinterpreted by MIT, Blockly is the innovative way to teach kids to code. Code is visualized as blocks to stack and program actions in anything from games to robots.
Learn more: code.google.com/p/blockly
© Makeable 2015
Programmable robots driven by Blockly.
Strapped with sensors, fun interactive lights, and somehow, a personality, these robots are the fun way for kids to program games, interactions and endless fun. Take it from us, this is the most fun way to turn your kids into programming geniuses.
Learn more: makewonder.com
© Makeable 2015
The inception of circuit board art.
We’re going to make the best Hallmark cards ever with this circuit board creating pen filled with conductible ink. Using circuit scribe you can make your circuits look however you want. Connect devices and batteries and watch it come to life.
Learn more: circuitscribe.com
© Makeable 2015
Highly conductive arts and crafts.
These circuit board stickers are a great way to teach kids about electronics through arts and crafts. Stick them together and make a paper crown that lights up, or just an awesome birthday card for mom. Either way, there’s no denying the creative ways kids are using electronics today.
Learn more: chibitronics.com
© Makeable 2015
Playing “don’t touch the lava” just got real.
This interactive projector allows kids to customize and play games on any surface. The projection reacts to your motion for a wide range of activities so kids can really push their imagination to the limits. We love the idea of interactive projections and game design baked into kids playtime.
Learn more: lumoplay.com
© Makeable 2015
Build it, program it, play it. Lego robots are here.
This is exactly what you think it is. Build these robots based on Lego’s reputable instruction manuals, then connect them to your app to steer with a remote-like command center. Don’t want to steer it, use a Blockly-esque coding interface to program it to your bidding.
Learn more: lego.com
© Makeable 2015
Imagine, draw and print your next favorite toy.
This kid friendly 3D printer is the easiest 3D design experience anywhere. It’s totally safe and totally educational. Just draw what you want on the ipad app, pick a color and print away. Unfortunately, they aren’t making them any longer, but we love the idea of kids 3D printing their own toys.
Learn more: printeer.com
© Makeable 2015
A colorful, playful approach
to get girls interested in
STEM.
A suite of products geared towards girls encourages them to build their own play environments, just like doll houses, but this time, they connect all of the electronics themselves. We’re talking working circuits, lights and fans, enthusiastically being built by little girls.
Learn more: roominatetoy.com
© Makeable 2015
It wasn’t just a good April Fools joke, it was a really good idea too.
Some smart tech publications thought it would be a good idea to tease this in front of us. We don’t know how Play-Doh didn’t take the hint because they need to figure this one out.
Learn more: thinkgeek.com
© Makeable 2015
Watch your napkin sketch turn into the real thing.
Submit your idea and watch its lifecycle unfold as it get’s reviewed by Quirky’s innovation staff and, hopefully, turned into a real product. There’s a whole community of inventors, collaborators and contributors here who help get the job done.
Learn more: quirky.com/invent
© Makeable 2015
Never compromise on family movie night with this dual screen, full screen experience.
Sony recently filed a patent for a screen that allows a dual viewing experience. Now parents can watch their adult TV shows and kids watch cartoons at the same time. Whether this is the actual execution or not, we don’t know. But it’s a cool idea none-the-less.
Learn more: singularityhub.com
© Makeable 2015
The social network connecting families, and friend’s families. Familybook?
It’s the great network for finding and planning family activities in your local area. Connect with other parents and schedule a playdate or see what family fun events are coming up near you.
Learn more: redrover.co
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Mom has backup.
These days everyone is constantly out and about, from soccer practice to the food store. Luckily, they’re all still connected via their phone, so let’s use the phone as a tether to reel us all back together for when it counts. Poll for dinner, text your kids, share photos, make a list and schedule the family camping trip. It’s the app that let’s families collaborate digitally.
Learn more: savethemom.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
“Dinnnnnnnnnner!!!” Tech time is valuable to your kids, but not as valuable as family time.
Sometimes, the only way to reach your kids is through the device they're connected to. Let your kids know when it’s time for their daily activities, monitor their device usage and even set limits. It’s the parental controls for your kid’s mobile device.
Learn more: dinnertimeapp.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
Monthly mail order adventures for your young imagineers.
These are hands on creative projects for your kids delivered monthly. Select your child’s age group and receive targeted craft projects from a variety of trusted vendors at your doorstep.
Learn more: kiwicrate.com
© Makeable 2015
An endless supply of DIY.
While the website tackles the physical DIY projects with constantly fresh and updated ideas and activities for families, their app brings it into the digital space. Take photos and creatively edit them with an advanced selection of tools, all geared for family fun.
Learn more: moonfrye.com
© Makeable 2015
The closed family social network.
Your family is always busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to coordinate between extracurriculars and yoga class. On Squarehub you can keep up to date on family happenings, all in one place, through this fun social app designed for keeping in touch with loved ones.
Learn more: squarehub.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
A pinch of quality time goes a long way at the dinner table.
To encourage families with connection issues to connect over dinner, Dolmio gave a few families a “magic” pepper shaker that disables devices when the food hits the table. Just a twist, and and a sneaky installation of device management software, kills the family’s Wifi connections while in use. Dinner time, is family time again.
Learn more: FirstWeFeast.com
© Makeable 2015
The social network connecting parents and teachers.
This simple experience sharing app allows teachers to freely update class activities for parents to follow. This is great for kids who need to stay home sick, or parents who want to be more involved.
Learn more: GetHomeroom.com
Try it: Android and iOS
© Makeable 2015
It’s Facetime on wheels.
This is the programmable telepresence robot on wheels. Learn to program Romo through a series of games, even play fetch or control him with a remote. Romo works with Facetime too, so you can virtually be in the room, on wheels, from the other side of the world.
Learn more: Romotive.com
© Makeable 2015
Your new personal assistant, just a text away.
Ask your own personal operator any question, for any service, or any favor and they’ll get the job done. It’s still in private beta, but the capabilities are fantastic. We’re big fans of text-UI based apps and this one takes it to a new level.
Learn more: Operator.com
© Makeable 2015
It’s like as if Yelp was a real person.
Cloe, is an artificially intelligent recommendation service, controlled by a human. You can ask Cloe to recommend any place to you, have real conversations and she’ll remember the little things; like that peanut allergy, or your affinity for craft beers. Man, she’s great.
Learn more: MeetCloe.co
© Makeable 2015
The “intelligent” robot for your whole family.
He’ll take your photos, tell you stories, stream video and even send messages. It’s as close to the Jetsons’ Rosie as it gets, without the arms and wheels. Sorry, but we’re still waiting for that dishwashing robot too.
Learn more: Jibo.com
©Makeable 2015© Makeable 2015
The artificially “intelligent” pet dinosaur that responds and learns as you interact.
Treat it right, and it’ll happily comply, treat it wrong and it will throw a tantrum. Or, if you’re at a lack of patience, grab the remote control and take over.
Interactive “friend” toys are usurping the market as their technology evolves, and we’re expecting to see a lot more of these in toy chests, or on nightstands.
Learn more: ZoomerDino.com
© Makeable 2015
The smarter smart home hub and personal assistant.
Amazon’s foray into the smart home department comes in the form of a connected hub for all your devices, online accounts and even Google. It’s always listening for the activation word, and then it becomes a voice commanded source of information and operations.
Learn more: Amazon.com
© Makeable 2015
The character from TV, in his true form.
Cartoon Network took the game boy character from the show Adventure Time, and put him in his natural form. A phone app, that talks, plays games and takes photos. It’s a little meta, and very awesome.
Learn more: CartoonNetwork.com
Try it: iOS
© Makeable 2015
A new way to let your kids play with your phone–like a friend.
Just insert your phone into this plush character and watch as the conversation unfolds. Ubooly’s software is as much of a scriptwriter as it is voice recognition. It actually interacts and tailors conversation to what is relevant. Amazing
Learn More: ubooly.com
© Makeable 2015
