Tag Archives: Android

November 25, 2017 · 11:24 pm

Parental Control Apps To Track Your Kids’ Locations & More

If you are the parent of a teenager, you probably want to know where they go when they are not at home. You may have heard of physical GPS tracking devices that are commonly used, but why go through the trouble and expense of buying that equipment when you can get the information you want using mobile Apps? Apps like Kidgy.com give parents the control they want to monitor their kids and make sure they are safe. Using the Kidgy App, parents can easily track their child using GPS through their smartphone.

 

Life360

Life360 is available for iPhone and Android devices and keeps millions of families and close friends connected, no matter what chaos life throws their way. Organize your family, friends, caregivers and more easily with circles. Add favorite locations like school, work, home and more and receive alerts when circle members arrive at or depart from them. Message the entire circle at once or privately, eliminating the need for endless texts and calls.

Life360’s free version allows you to set up 2 places and keeps location history for 2 days. The PLUS version gives users full access and maintains location history for 30 days. The cost of Life360 PLUS is just $24.99 a year.

My Family GPS tracker

My Family is another good family tracking App. Unlike Life360, My Family is available for Windows and Amazon powered devices in addition to android and iOS devices. This App has premium features like the ability to save location history for up to 3 years. My Family also allows parents to make force calls to their kids that cannot be ignored. While this may seem intrusive, sometimes parents need to be, when it comes to the safety of their kids.

My Family also has an emergency button that notifies parents if their child comes across some type of trouble or leaves or enters a certain location. The user interface for My Family is user-friendly, so operating the App is simple. Best of all, My Family is free to use for android, iOS, amazon and windows users.

ZoeMob Family Locator

Finally, ZoeMob Family Locator is another useful App for keeping track of your kids’ location. Think of it as a family assistant because it is more than just a family locator. With additional features like calendars, shared lists, built-in messengers and more, it helps you to keep everyone connected.

Despite all the add-ons, this App is simple to use to keep track of your family members, set driving speed limits, program it to receive notifications for certain locations and so much more. The free version of ZoeMob is available for both android and iOS and can be accessed through the product website.

This is a sponsored guest post that does not necessarily reflect the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.


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June 9, 2016 · 12:29 am

Help Kids To Stay Safe Through Play #DumbWaysJR

I think as parents one of the most important things we want to do as parents is keep our kids safe. We want them to understand how to be safe and not to be careless especially around things that can hurt them. Teaching them the importance of safety in the kitchen and around trains is very important.

So many needless accidents occur around trains, train stations, platforms and crossings. In 2012 a very popular PSA campaign Dumb Ways to Die effectively communicated the message that it is dumb to take risks that have serious consequences, especially around trains. While the message is very effective in educating people about the risks, the graphics are a bit too graphic and gory for younger children.

dumb ways jr logo

I was thrilled to be able to try out two Dumb Ways JR Apps to help younger children learn through play how to be safe. Dumb Ways JR Boffo’s Breakfast and Dumb Ways JR Loopy’s Train Set are available for download for iOS at the App Store and for Android on Google Play.

Dumb Ways Jr. Boffo’s Breakfast

boffo breakfast log

Dumb Ways Jr. Boffo’s Breakfast helps even young children who can’t read have fun while learning. They can create so many combinations and recipes for a very hungry Boffo to eat. There is a cutting board where they can choose whatever ingredients they want. Then they can cut them, dice them or grate them. They can feed him the foods one at a time without cutting or cooking them and they get a kick out of seeing his reaction to certain foods. Sometimes he burps, holds his stomach, passes gas, gets the hiccups and more. He falls asleep if children are not interacting with the app.

dumb ways jr app

There are no limits to the amount of ingredients they can use, they can feed him one thing or a combo of several things. After they have the ingredients they can use the mixer and then cook it up for Boffo. He will then eat what they made and show his reaction to it. When they are using the stove, if they turn it up to 4 or 5 (the highest settings) Boffo gets nervous and it serves as a springboard for discussion as to why. The flames on the stove also increase when the child turns up the stove.

There is a parents guide that comes with the app to explain how parents can assist their child in learning key concepts while having fun. Dumb Ways JR Boffo’s Breakfast app can be downloaded for iOS at the App Store and for Android on Google Play.

Dumb Ways JR Loopy’s Train Set:

loopy's train set logo

In Loopy’s Train Set, players can select from two modes of play: Drive or Build. In Drive mode there are 3 levels and kids use controls on the screen to drive Loopy’s train on the track. They do not have to steer the train but they can choose from forward and reverse and 4 different speeds- stop, 1, 2, or 3.

There are waiting passengers at the train station and kids need to stop the train and pick them up. They assist passengers on and off the train. The app design encourages kids to create their own dialogue when helping passengers board or exit the train. The first level has a basic track but in level 2 the track is larger and has a tunnel, more track direction options and more train stations. Level 3 has all that and more, there are bridges, railroad crossings, more track and options to keep the app fresh and exciting.

dumb ways jr 2

dumb ways jr

 

In Build mode, the children are the designers. They create their own unique track by arranging and connecting different-shaped pieces of track. They can also add  houses, trees and animals to their scene to really customize it. After the track is built they can drive Loopy’s train on it. There are 3 levels starting with the simplest and as the levels go up so do the choices of track and other options that kids can choose to add to their track. The ability to build their own track keeps it fresh and fun because they can build something different each time! Dumb Ways Jr 3

Through this fun app kids can learn about various aspects of train safety. They will come to understand that characters cannot cross the tracks and the boom gates at the level crossings automatically come down when the train approaches. This provides the opportunity for parents and caregivers to expand on these concepts to talk about being safe around trains in a productive way. There is also a parents guide that gives parents tips on how they can get the most out of the app for their child.

You can download Dumb Ways JR Loopy’s Train Set for iOS in the App Store and for Android on Google Play.

My kids really had fun with these apps. Of course being kids they took great pleasure in seeing Boffo have certain reactions to the food they gave him. They really loved the option they had to create their own train route in Dumb Ways JR Loopy’s Train Set. Since my kids have an older sister who works as an analyst for a major transit organization it really opened the dialogue about train safety even more!

The apps appeal to a range of senses so they really work with whatever type of learning kids like. The apps encourage kids to problem solve and role play which gets them really thinking. These are definitely favorite apps for them and I feel good there is that learning intertwined throughout.
dumb ways jr bye

 

Connect with Dumb Ways to Die and Dumb Ways JR online:

 

This post is sponsored by Dumb Ways JR and The Motherhood. As always my views and words are 100% my own.


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April 13, 2016 · 3:14 am

How To Save Money Buying Diapers- #ShareTheLuv

If you have a little one in diapers, you better get those scissors ready. In this Sunday’s paper you will find big savings from Luvs Diapers. The official diaper of experienced moms like myself, Luvs is putting two high-value coupons that could save you up to $4 on Luvs Diapers. For ever more savings Luvs in partnership with Ibotta is offering a limited-time $5 rebate if you buy any 54 ct or larger box of any variety of Luvs diapers.

Luvs April FSCI

Have you ever used Ibotta? If not, it is easy and can save you a lot of money. All you need to do is download the app for iOS or Android and then search “Luvs” to unlock the exclusive $5 rebate. Shop for Luvs diapers at any participating store. Then use your smartphone to scan the product barcodes and submit a photo of your receipt to verify your purchase. That’s it, your $5 cash rebate will be deposited into your Ibotta account within 48 hours. With Ibotta it is so easy to save money and earn cash back!

Luvs image 3 (1)

Speaking of saving money, Luvs with their NightLock has the high-quality features you might expect to pay more for like large stretch tabs, ultra-leakage protection and a money back guarantee if not satisfied. Add in the high-value coupon offers and it is really a no brainer to choose Luvs over the premium brands.  After all, why pay more? Did you know switching to Luvs could save you $150 a year?  Moms know there are so many other ways that money they save can be used.

Luvs Box

 

 

Stay in the loop with Luvs on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”


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March 10, 2015 · 2:29 am

3 Kids Academy Free Learning Apps For Kids Pre-K thru Kindergarten! #MomBuzzMedia #FreeKidsApp

 ● Mom Buzz Media Approved Blogger ●

Connecting Bloggers & Brands in Perfect Harmony

Educational Apps from Kids Academy
Available on iTunes & Google Play FREE for a limited time!

Kids Academy has 3 free learning apps for little ones ages 3-6 that you can download in iTunes and Google Play.  These apps are a fun way to reinforce and teach early learning skills.  Your little ones will love them!

Preschool & Kindergarten Baby Books, Songs, and Early Reading Toddler Games

This app is great for ages pre-K thru Kindergarten.  They can sing along with the interactive song BINGO, the letters appear on the screen as they sing and the animation during the song keeps kids engaged.  The story Puss and Boots is also available on the app and is read aloud to kids as they follow along.  The app has other stories and songs in the paid version.  The free version is a good guide to see if your child likes the app before purchasing.  The updated version has stability improvements, a minor bug fix and new content and fun.

Download this game for FREE on iTunes

123 Tracing Numbers: Montessori Math Game for Kids

This learning app for little ones teaches them how to form numbers correctly by tracing with their finger on the screen.  As they trace the numbers, a jar fills with fireflies.  The more numbers they trace the more fireflies go in the jar.  Kids get a kick out of seeing the jar fill up to signify how many numbers they are tracing and mark their progress.  The numbers have dotted lines and directional arrows so that they easily see the right way to trace the number.  The goal is to fill the whole jar with fireflies.  My son loves this game.

Download this game for FREE on iTunes

Free for a limited time! Normally $3.99!

ABC Preschool Games for Kids

This App is so fun and educational for little ones. There is a great variety of things for them to do that make learning fun. I like that the app uses Montessori learning methodology. Through the interactive activities kids can trace letters, play matching, counting, reading games and more. This updated app has new content so preschool and kindergartener  age children have more variety to learn early skills. My kindergartener loves this app.

Download this game for FREE on Google Play

Free for a limited time! Normally $2.99

About Kids Academy

Kids Academy develops mobile apps for preschool education. Covering all major platforms their apps are designed to help kids of 5 and under to master all of the preschool educational skills from letters to numbers and vocabulary. Having passed the ten million installs mark, Kids Academy continues to deliver quality apps for iOS, Android and Amazon devices.

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. The reviews above are my own opinions and are not influenced in any way.

 


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December 31, 2014 · 5:05 pm

Kid’s Academy, Improved Free Learning Game Apps For Kids!!! #MomBuzz

kids academy logo

Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App

This app has added a new feature. Classic children’s fairytale titles are now available like The Princess and the Pea, Puss and Boots and more. Now with the free version you get just a snippet of the books and then you can purchase a pass for all of them or for an individual book. The books are beautifully illustrated and they app brings the stories to life in an engaging way that kids just love to see and they can also follow along with the text.  This is such a fun App and kids love hearing and singing along with the familiar BINGO song. Kids can clap and sing along as they watch the letters appear in the cute farm scene with the adorable dog. There is an upgrade of the free version where kids can even record and play a karaoke session or just sing and clap along. There are mini games too that are fun like animal cards and kids can also make up and record their own stories. My little guy loves recording himself and playing it back.

kids academy story book illustrations.

Get Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App on iTunes

Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App

This Alphabet Tracing and Math Puzzle Educational App is wonderful for teaching kids how to form letters and it is easy for them to trace the letters with their fingers.  A very hands on app that will encourage them to form letters the right way and get them writing.  Perfect for preschool and kindergarten age kids.  Children can trace upper case letters of the alphabet with in purchase apps for expanded tracing.  There are also fun mazes and rhyming games for kids and a purchase for an all access pass will give your child access to loads of great learning games.

Based on the Montessori learning method your child will develop and practice spelling, reading and writing skills while playing engaging games.  Kids will practice writing their letters and their handwriting skills too!  Kids love tracing dotted lines to learn how to form letters. The can form lower or upper case letters. There are fun mazes where they have to drag the dog’s bone to a word that rhymes with the word that the dog is thinking of  as well as simpler mazes where they lead the dog to his prize.  It is so cute and my little guy loves it!  Kids are rated with 1, 2 or 3 stars for their performance.

Get Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App on iTunes

Preschool and Kindergarten Games App

They have updated this app and it is easy better it runs better and the graphics are more vibrant making them even more captivating to kids. The same games are there but the bright colors and clear graphics and animation make them even more fun. Great improvements on a stellar app. Kids will practice writing their letters and their handwriting skills with fun games and activities. Kids have a blast tracing dotted lines to learn how to form letters. I like that there are left and right hand modes, 2 levels of difficulty challenges kids.

Kids trace one letter with the dotted lines and then they try one that has no guiding lines right after. Before they are given the letter they hear the letter name and the picture of something that starts with that letter. You can choose to work on Upper or lower case letters. There are other games like the Alphabet and kids have so much interactive fun focused on a specific letter and learning vocabulary words that start with that letter along with fun graphics. Kids can trace numbers too and when they trace the number correctly they fill up a jar with fire flies. It is really fun and my little guy loves it! Kids are rated with 1, 2 or 3 stars for their performance. The free version can be upgraded to unlock more games and features.

Get Preschool and Kindergarten Games App on iTunes

Android users can also find Kids Academy Apps on Google Play!

Also be sure to visit Kids Academy on social media!

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and Kids Academy. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

 

 

 


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November 2, 2014 · 11:28 pm

ChargeHub Universal 7 Port Charger and CableHub Review & Giveaway!!! 2014 #HolidayGiftGuide Pick

ChargHub Logo

We are a very high-tech household, the amount of tablets and smartphones that need charging could be intimidating.  It’s nice to have charging stations throughout the house.  Looking for something that can connect multiple devices neatly is hard to find.  The ChargeHub  was  the answer to our needs, a universal charger with 7 USB dedicated charging ports that deliver 48 Watts of power even with 7 devices simultaneously attached.  The ChargeHub was awarded Best of CES 2014 by iPhone Life Magazine as one of the most innovative new iOS related products.

chargehub counter

The ChargeHub was designed and developed by Limitless Innovations, Inc.   The ChargeHub was born when they identified a market for a USB mobile device charger unlike any on the market.  The ChargeHub impressed us with its versatility and power.  Patent-pending SmartSpeed Technology allow any port to charge the connected device at max charging speed regardless of whether it’s an Apple iOS or Android device.

Chargehub

Chargehub open

Chargehub all open

 

Chargehub ports

Chargehub closeup

Chargehub Charging

We attached iOS and Android devices and they all charged fast and fully. The CableLinx Value Pack contains 4 short-length USB charge and sync cables for the 4 most common types of tech devices on the market today.  These flat cables are great for connecting our devices to the ChargeHub and gives us a nice neat charging station look for any area of our home.

CableLinx Value Pack Black

You may notice the familiar picture on our ChargeHub, that’s another great feature.  There’s a free online DesignStudio that allows users to personalize their ChargeHub with photos, text, logos or graphics.  This makes it a perfect choice for fundraising or to give as promotional gifts!

CableHub Logo

The CableHub is the answer for taming messy, cord clutter.  The CableHub will organize up to 7 cords, cables or wires at one time and keep them stable and tangle-free!  The CableHub will reduce exposed cords whether for safety, aesthetics or convenience.

CableHub Package

 

CableHub White

You can wrap cords up to 10 feet long around the weighted disc and snap the unit shut.  It was a simple process to contain the long cords many of our devices have for charging to make the charging area tidy and safe.  The CableHub is a personalized cable organizer available in 13 colors and 2 shapes.  Use the online DesignStudio to customize the top with a personal photo, logo, text or artwork.  The CableHub will beautify your space by cutting cord clutter and showcasing your unique design.

Chargehub organizer

Chargehub organize cables

Chargehub organize cables 1

Chargehub organizer cable

Mommy Ramblings is thrilled with the ChargeHub and the CableHub and is adding it to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!  They are a great gift choice for almost anyone on your gift list.

 

 

Limitless Innovations is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own ChargeHub and CableHub.  Thank you Limitless Innovations for the review products you so beautifully personalized for us and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

Limitless Innovations ChargeHub and CableHub Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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August 8, 2014 · 10:10 pm

Find Out Why Moms Love To Play G5’s “The Secret Society-Hidden Mystery” Free-To-Play Mobile Game!!!

Secret Society Hidden Mystery

We all know moms are busy, but they still need some down time.  Did you know there are a lot of moms who enjoy playing mobile games on their smart phones and tablets?  Maybe you’re one of those moms.  Some might wonder how any mom would have time for that and I think you may be surprised at some of the answers.

G5 Entertainment, is a leading developer and publisher of high-quality casual and free-to-play mobile games for women. The spirited, adventure-seeking women who devour their games include multitasking moms looking for inspiration, stimulation and excitement. The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.

Secret Society ss

G5 has always been dedicated  to making the most enjoyable, casual games possible. They are very aware that the people who play these games are primarily women. What they didn’t know was what kind of women play their games and why.  So they asked.  What they found out was not only interesting but also extremely heartwarming.  The moms were asked when and how they find the time to play the free-to-play hidden object adventure, The Secret Society-Hidden Mystery. The stories are shared on G5’s Facebook page but you can read a sampling of some of the most striking responses below.

Secret Society ss1

Christy: “As a full-time nurse and full-time mom, this game is my escape. It is my reward to myself after a long day. I love the fact that it keeps my brain stimulated especially since Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Games like The Secret Society help fight it! Thanks again for an awesome game for moms!”

Devan: “After a long day of work and not seeing my babies, this is a game I get to enjoy. I play it while my newborn is sleeping on my lap and I can’t move anywhere for fear of waking her up. Also, my four-year-old stepson likes to ‘help’ find items (he taps the screen repeatedly and loses some of the allotted time). It’s a nice way to relax and share some fun.”

Dolores: “I have stage IV lung cancer, and I love playing this game. It helps take my mind off other issues in my life. I am a mom, but my son is grown and married. We have two grandsons who are the joys of our lives.”

Joanne: “I’m a 63-year-old grandmother who is disabled and bedridden. I play The Secret Society to enjoy and have some interaction with other people. They don’t know how old I am or my physical condition, which is a plus. I got my grandson to play, and we have that extra contact, which makes it special. I don’t know how other people feel but my friends [in the game] are considered my friends. I think this game is great and I go through the whole nine yards from happy to frustrated but enjoy playing.”

Wren: “My mom showed this game to me when I told her I was looking for a simple game to play on my phone while I spent hours rocking my son to sleep. I instantly became addicted! Honestly, this game really helped get me through long nights. Now that my son is older I play while he naps and again after he goes to bed for the night. I usually sneak in a few scenes when he is playing well on his own too. It is a fantastic game!”

Michelle: “I play at night when everyone else is asleep. I’m a busy mom of four, with three of those being boys! So I like it when it’s quiet with a low chance of interruption. I love the soft clicking sound of the gem match game. I put headphones on so I can hear the clicks as the gems fall into place. I find it very soothing.”

Dianne: “This game has become a lifeline to me as I suffer from CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). I spend a great deal of time with nerve pain, and this game serves as a distraction for me in coping with what I have.”

Nanette: “I love playing this game. I am a stay-at-home mom of two – three if you count my dog. I also take care of my Dad and his house. This game is perfect to play while waiting for laundry or while cooking. The power level I have at this time allows me to play during the lulls in my housework without forgetting to get back to work. As soon as the power runs out, I go back to cooking, cleaning or what have you.”

Christine: “I play whenever I can. In short bursts while cooking dinner or after the kids have gone to school or to bed. It is definitely a great way to unwind even if I just have a few minutes. My eight-year-old has even started to help me find items when I’m stuck. She likes to look over my shoulder when I play.”

Melinda: “I play mainly when the baby is napping and when everyone goes to sleep at night. I have gotten my mother, sister-in-law, husband, best friend, son, daughter, niece and nephew all addicted to this game. Now, none of them can say that I have a problem! LOL.”

Heather: “As the mum of two active kids I spend a lot of time waiting in the car for them to come out of clubs. This is a great time to play as I get peace and don’t feel guilty about not doing housework.”

Secret Society Play Sign

The Secret Society – Hidden Mystery is a captivating mix of I-spy scenes, gem match puzzles, brain teasers and memory games. In the game, you become a member of the Order of Seekers and start exploring enchanting worlds by entering photographs. The goal is to collect clues that will expand even further the world you’re traveling in and help you unravel mysteries related to your missing uncle. This wildly popular hidden object adventure also features social elements: you can help your game mates, make friends and send and receive in-game gifts.

If you would like to try the game yourself you can click on the link below that is compatible with your smart phone or tablet.

The Secret Society is available for iOS:  https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=37820&offer_id=263000&sub_campaign=mommyramblings,

Google Play – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=36252&offer_id=267996&sub_campaign=mommyramblings and

Kindle Fire – https://83564.api-05.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=83564&site_id=42764&offer_id=267712&sub_campaign=mommyramblings

If you do try the game or already play, leave us a comment letting us know what you think or when you play.  Follow G5 on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and news!


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