VTech announces Inno tablet for kids

Tablet computers is arguably the hottest electronics category in recent memory, and not just for grownups: Kids love tablets, too. VTech, a maker of toy gadgets (including the V.Reader), has taken note and is today announcing the Inno tablet ($79.99 list), expected to ship this fall.

The Inno is made for kids ages 4 to 9, but it actually incorporates some real tablet-like features, such as a 5-inch color touch screen, a tilt sensor for game control, computer connectivity via USB, and expandable memory via an SD card. (No wireless capability, though, which is probably a good thing in the eyes of most parents.)

"[Kids can] develop the skills of using touch applications including tap, flick, pat and drag-and-drop so they can have the same technology and fun as parents do with their touch-screen devices," said Vtech. The Inno also has built-in video and music players—and a headphone jack, parents will be glad to note.

Out of the box, the Inno will come loaded with educational games and creativity apps, as well as a photo viewer and editor (but no built-in camera—you will be able to download your photos to the device). You'll need to purchase interactive e-book cartridges ($24.99 each) for use on the Inno; nine titles will be available at launch, including Disney/Pixar's Cars 2 and Toy Story, SpongeBob Squarepants, and Scooby-Doo. By year's end, VTech says it will offer over 100 downloadable titles as well.

—Carol Mangis

—Carol Mangis