Yoto has just announced two new audio devices for kids. There is the fourth generation Yoto Player and an updated version of the Yoto Mini.
The new Yoto Player is still a speaker with a pixel display, but the company has added some bells and whistles. First, there’s a large green dial that kids can turn to listen to their “most popular audio.” This can access up to 20 pieces of content, including podcasts, stories and songs.
This is done directly from the device, so the child won’t need to borrow a parent’s phone. Additionally, the feature doesn’t require Yoto cards, which are essentially small NFC keys that are inserted into the reader to access unique content.
The company also upgraded the software so routines are easier to create and access. This means parents can set a routine just once and the device will automatically perform tasks such as adjusting the graphics to reflect the time of day.
Yoto promises that the hardware has been redesigned to be “easy for little hands.” Storage has been increased up to 64GB, downloads should be much faster, and the night light panel has been upgraded.
This is all very good news, considering that an older version of the Yoto Player was already on our list of the best audio gadgets for kids. However, there is bad news. The price jumps to $150, up from $110. It’s available for pre-order now, with shipments scheduled for October 15.
The Yoto Mini also benefits from a nice little hardware update. This is the company’s cheapest and much smaller audio player. The upcoming Mini seems to be designed for the kind of adventures kids typically go on. It is “robust, water and dust resistant”. The company promises it can “handle playground grass, sofa tosses, and rainy day chaos without missing a beat.”
The upgrade also includes the same green button that allows access to content without Yoto cards. The device has enough storage for “1,000 hours of audio” and integrates with wired and Bluetooth headphones.
Unfortunately, there is another price increase here. The Yoto Mini goes from $80 to $110. It’s available for pre-order now, with shipments scheduled for September 30.
The company also presents several accessories for its devices. There are scratch-resistant cases for the Mini and Player, available in four colors. He’s also working on a wireless dock and a case for Yoto cards. We do not yet have information on pricing or availability for this product.
