Before you roll your eyes at yet another smart device that didn’t really need a smart upgrade, Edwin might convince you that the world is actually a better place with a smart rubber duckie in it. With a Bluetooth connection to your phone and an internal temperature sensor it can alert parents when the temperature of bath water gets too hot for kids. And there’s a waterproof speaker hiding inside as well so your keep can keep on Raffi-ing even during a bath.
At night Edwin recharges on its own included dock on your child’s nightstand, doubling as a soft glowing LED nightlight that can be tinted to almost any colour. And while connected to an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, there are even books that Edwin can read along with, and games that he can interact with.
Wrapped in a soft layer of silicone on the outside Edwin should be pretty safe for most kids and toddlers to play with, but it’s not quite as soft as a real rubber duckie given all of its electronics inside. When available sometime in the second quarter of 2015 it will sell for around $US100, and while the accompanying app that facilitates the temperature alarm and games will be free, there will be optional in-app purchases for new books and other content. [Edwin the Duck]