Keep your little adventurer engaged this summer with the KidiBuzz smart device from VTech. Designed for kids aged 4-9, KidiBuzz is a cutting-edge handheld device that offers a variety of fun activities, including games, videos, music, and messaging. Calling it the ideal first cell phone would be an understatement. This device shares many features with mom and dad’s smartphones, but it operates differently. Instead of requiring a cellular provider, KidiBuzz connects through Wi-Fi, much like a tablet. While it doesn’t allow for traditional phone calls, it enables your child to send texts, voice messages, drawings, pre-written messages, photos, and animated stickers via the KidiConnect app.
Setting up KidiConnect
Setting up KidiConnect is a straightforward process that simplifies communication between you and your child. Upon registering your child’s device, you will receive automatic prompts to unlock KidiConnect, making the setup seamless. After unlocking, the next step involves installing the KidiConnect app on your mobile device to create personalized profiles for both yourself and your child.
Adding a family member or friend to the KidiConnect network is equally simple. You can easily do this by accessing the KidiConnect smartphone app and tapping on the “add friend” icon located in the upper right corner of the main menu screen. Simply enter the email address of the intended individual on the next screen, and an email invitation will be promptly sent to them.
Subsequently, the recipient will be prompted to install the KidiConnect app on their phone and set up a Learning Lodge account. Once completed, they will then need to send a request to join your family network. Accepting this request will successfully add them to the network, allowing your child to commence engaging in conversations and activities with the new member as part of their KidiConnect experience.
The KidiConnect app provides children with the ability to send not just text messages and stickers, but also voice messages, photos, and drawings. It includes a voice changer for added fun and offers pre-written messages for younger kids who are just starting to read and spell. This is a fantastic option, especially since my daughter is now practicing texting me using the keypad.
With KidiConnect, your child can easily send messages to a family group, allowing all members included in the group to respond. This feature is great for sharing photos and staying connected.
Kid-Friendly Websites, Learning Games and Apps
Your child’s KidiBuzz comes pre-loaded with 40+ apps including 29 learning games, 3 read-along e-books, 5 pieces of classical music, a calculator, and a 
calendar. Parents have the option to add additional education apps and games through Learning Lodge or download popular apps from the App Store or get them on Google Play.
Like all smartphones, kids can access the internet however, it is protected by a child-safe browser. VTech’s child-safe browser lets your child access pre-approved websites such as BBC Kids, Sesame Street and Curious George. As a parent, you can manually add other sites you choose.
Photos & Videos
My daughter loves taking photos and little videos. 
The camera rotates 180 degrees from the front to the back for selfies and videos. The camera isn’t the best quality, but young photographers will love documenting their various trips this summer with the built in camera.
Children have the option to add cool photo effects, filters and frames. You get 8 GB of storage, with the option of adding a microSD card up to 40 GB. We haven’t had to add any extra storage. Miss P takes lots of videos and photos and has not even come close to filling the 8 GB. Pictured right are some of the photos she took with her KidiBuzz.
Inappropriate pictures, and embarrassing moments can still happen with KidiBuzz so it is important to teach your children responsible usage. I encourage my daughter to ask for permission before she takes photos of her family and friends.
Where are the device’s Parent Settings and what can I do with them?
As a parent I deeply appreciate the capability I have to set various time limits approve specific websites and permit the use of apps and other features tailored to my child’s safety and well-being. The KidiBuzz offers a unique solution for parental control including a separate profile dedicated exclusively to parents which is secured with a passcode. This ensures that I can manage my daughter’s interactions with technology effectively and confidently.
To access these vital parent settings on your KidiBuzz simply touch the avatar located in the upper left corner of your child’s home screen. This action will prompt the parents’ icon to appear allowing me to touch it and enter the parent settings with ease. This straightforward navigation allows for quick adjustments ensuring that I can keep up with my child’s digital activities.
One of the features I truly cherish is the ability to communicate with my daughter when I am away from home using the VTech KidiBuzz app. It allows me to send messages and stay connected which is essential for maintaining our relationship especially during busy days.
The device itself is built to withstand the typical wear and tear that comes with a child’s enthusiasm. With its 5-inch touchscreen being shatter-resistant along with protective bumpers and a shatter-safe screen I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it’s designed to endure. This durability is particularly important since Miss P has accidentally dropped her KidiBuzz several times over the last four months without significant damage.
I’ve also found the battery life to be quite impressive; Miss P can enjoy about three days of play before the device requires a charge. Available in charming pink and blue colors the KidiBuzz is not only functional but also visually appealing. Overall I can confidently say that investing in the KidiBuzz has been a wise decision for our family.
For more information about VTech’s electronic learning products, visit www.VTechKids.com, www.facebook.com/VTechtoyson Facebook or follow @VTechToyson Twitter.
My granddaughter has this device and loves it !