Qubitunes is a screen-free audio toy that combines storytelling, music, games and quizzes with hands-on play. Children place wooden character pieces on different sections of a circular soundstage to change what they hear, making the Qubs device an interactive alternative to passive screen time. The Starter Kit costs $130 in the US and £100 in the UK, while additional content is sold separately.
How Qubitunes works
Qubitunes consists of a play stage and speakers for children. Content is stored in a wooden cartridge that plugs into the top of the device. Children can then place wooden character pieces on the circular soundstage, which is divided into four sections. Moving or replacing the pieces changes the audio that plays.
This simple system can produce interactive stories that respond to the selected characters and locations. It can also layer music with different instruments and run themed games and quizzes. The Starter Kit is available from $130 at Amazon and $130 at Shop. In the UK, it is listed at £100 at Amazon.
Playing and listening
The device has stereo speakers, a headphone port and USB-C charging. A full charge provides up to six hours of playback. After trying it, the reviewer said they played with Qubitunes for hours and enjoyed it. The device has since been used in the reviewer’s wife’s classroom, where it is usually the first choice for children selecting an activity after finishing their work.
According to the review, Qubitunes is particularly popular with 7- and 8-year-olds, although children older than 3—and even adults—can also use it. The interactive elements give the sets more replay value than conventional audio, allowing children to experiment with different combinations and discover how the experience changes.
Content and add-ons
Content is not included with the device and must be purchased separately. Add-ons cost between $10 and $20 each. Stories, games and other experiences come in wooden blocks that plug into the device to download the content. Wi-Fi is required for the initial downloads and firmware updates, but the content can be played offline afterward.
The Starter Kit usually includes three or four character blocks and a labeled bag for storing them. The available content includes stories, soundscapes, quizzes and creative activities. Stories and soundscapes may be better suited to very young children, while the reviewer prefers the creativity-focused activities and learning games.
Recommended sets
The Little Maestro Set ($20) features orchestral players and music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven and Bach. Other options include the eccentric-character stories in Globlies ($20) and the cooking game Bernard’s Kitchen ($20).
Qubs recently added the Maestro expansion ($10), which includes four new composers. The Jurassic Sound Dinosaur Game ($20) includes dinosaur facts, the roar of a Tyrannosaurus and versions of Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
Other Qubs toys
Qubs also makes wooden vehicles marketed as “STEM toys.” The Cody Block introduces children to basic coding concepts. The source lists the set at $70 and says it is currently on sale starting at $100.
With its physical pieces, offline playback and changing audio experiences, Qubitunes is designed to make listening more active. Children can create, test and repeat combinations rather than simply hearing a fixed recording, while parents should factor the separate cost of the content blocks into the overall price.
Source: www.wired.com