Kids as young as three could soon be able to send text messages just like their parents – all thanks to LeapFrog.
The company has launched a new pint-sized personal digital assistant meat for toddlers.
Unveiled at a toy fair in England, the Text & Learn will land in the United States this summer - and perhaps prove as addictive as the real-life "crackberry" is to adults.
The colourful toy has come as a respite for parents who are constantly pulling their devices out of their kids'' hands - and mouths.
"I would definitely consider getting one for Pete - in the vain hope it would keep him away from my cell, which he thinks is the seventh wonder of the universe," The New York Daily News quoted Katy Hope of Brooklyn, whose son turns 1 this month, as saying.
Recommended for kids of 3 years and up, the gadget is designed to teach spelling and computer skills.
To be priced at 21.99 dollars, the device cannot be connected to the Internet, but allows kids to text, play games and navigate with arrow keys.
{{/usCountry}}To be priced at 21.99 dollars, the device cannot be connected to the Internet, but allows kids to text, play games and navigate with arrow keys.
{{/usCountry}}"Busy 3-year-olds will love to ''play'' like their parents do," LeapFrog wrote about the toy.
The toy happened to go down well with some parents who thought that the toy looked like a real phone without the risks - like swallowing parts or accidentally calling another country.
"It would disturb me if it were wired, but it sounds like it just looks like a BlackBerry and has some educational value," said mom-of-three Bay Brown of Brooklyn.