Looking for a tablet for an older child, but don't want to spend a fortune on it? How about one that has pretty good specs, an optional silicon folio keyboard case, and is complete with parental controls right out of the box -- for just $249. Enter the Nabi XD.
It is a Tegra 3 tablet, complete with 10-inch IPS display, Wifi, Bluetooth and NFC, and running a custom version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Nabi XD also has a pretty slick design, with an all aluminum two toned chassis and flared corners. Some of us will think it's a bit gaudy, but keep in mind it's designed for kids who will likely appreciate a trendy look.
The software, known as the Kanzi UI, also sounds interesting. It ships complete with parental controls that cover just about everything. Besides the standard browser rules and privacy applications, the Nabi XD allows parents to decide when applications are available to the user based on time. Set it up so that games are hidden while your kids are supposed to be studying, their place is instead taken by productivity and reference apps. The kids might hate it, but plenty of parents won't. There is no word on whether or not the Google Play store is on-board.
To make up for it, Nabi has also designed what they are calling "Battle KINABIs" -- small figurines that sync with the tablet and can level up and battle each other. Sounds a bit like Monster Rancher or Pokemon, which should be a hit for the kids as well as older siblings (and dad) when nobody is looking.
The Nabi XD will be available in late December for a limited release, with a nationwide launch in the middle of January. The 16 GB model will be priced at $249, and the 32 GB checks in at a suggested price of $349. The folio cover and other accessories will also be available in January, with prices ranging from $19.99 and up. Hit the break for another view of the Nabi XD, and the full press release.
Fuhu, Inc. Unveils nabi XD: The World’s First Android Ultraportable for Tweens at $249
Fuhu, Inc. defines a new market for tablet users with its nabi XD, positioned as a tween’s first tablet with a keyboard dedicated to homework, gaming, social networking and kid-safe browsing
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 12, 2012 – Fuhu, Inc., the leader in tablets made just for kids, today unveiled the new nabi™ XD: an ultraportable tablet that combines the best of a notebook and tablet PC with an amazing 10.1-inch high-definition in-plane-switching (IPS), five-point capacitive touch screen. Positioned to be your tweens’ first portable computer, nabi XD features an NVIDIA Tegra 3 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core processor, Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean, front and back cameras, near field communications (NFC) technology, 10-hours of battery life and the 10.1-inch screen – all for only $249. The nabi XD is a first of its kind, an Android ultraportable tablet with productivity apps, incredible console quality gaming, modified parental controls for browsing and a dynamic and intelligent gadget-based user interface
that adapts based on the time of day and location.
Featuring the NVIDIA Tegra 3 4-PLUS-1 quad-core processor
nabi XD features a beautiful 10.1-inch IPS 1366x768 HD capacitive touch screen running the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system. The NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with a 5th battery saver core helps extend battery life so that nabi XD can go up to 10 hours between charges.
nabi XD introduces an affordable yet incredibly powerful, ultraportable hybrid tablet and notebook solution with pad-folio and integrated silicone keyboard cover
nabi XD features a sleek aluminum body that mirrors nabi’s trademarked flared corner design built for a long a productive life. Fuhu designers and engineers spent countless hours ensuring that each nabi is built with unmatched precision — meticulously thinking through every little detail. The result is a beautiful, thin, light, polished and refined look that feels incredibly strong and durable. Combined with its patent-pending optional pad-folio and integrated silicone keyboard cover that provides a traditional typing feel, nabi XD is your tweens’ ultimate first tablet PC.
“Smart” 3-D User Interface
In partnership with Rightware®’s Kanzi® user interface solution (UI), nabi XD is taking UIs to the next level. A tiled grid of dynamically updating gadgets, widgets and apps headlines the new UI. Pin as many gadgets as you like and move them around just the way you want. Define time and location based rules that dictate when and where your favorite gadgets show up. Want news in the morning and games in the evening? Create a rule for that! nabi XD’s UI lets you create multiple home screens each with your own layout of widgets, gadgets and apps. nabi XD’s home screen gadgets are designed to give you the most relevant information that you want, when you want it. Set rules for your home screens based on GPS locations, Wi-Fi networks and time, allowing you to define which home screen is the most relevant for any situation.
Incredible Gaming Experiences
nabi XD will be the first of the nabi family of tablets to feature NFC technologies. NFC allows you to sync devices simply by touching them together – Great for Bluetooth syncing or sync nabi’s exclusive family of 16 figurines with your nabi XD and challenge them to amazing battles while leveling up your unique character. Watch out for the Battle KINABIs™ game and figurines made for nabi XD!
“nabi XD features the most powerful specifications and brilliant display of the nabi tablet family. We are excited about what these new features bring to gaming and content,” said Fuhu’s CEO Jim Mitchell. “nabi XD represents a real transition in personal portable computing with an introduction of an Android-based productivity and gaming device.”
Pricing and Availability
The 10.1-inch nabi XD will be available late December in limited release and mid-January nationwide. The 16 GB model will be priced MSRP $249 and 32 GB for MSRP $349. Pad-folio and numerous other accessories will be available mid-January ranging from MSRP$19.99 and MSRP$89.99.
