Metis partners with Intel to launch tablet for kids

City-based start up Metis Learning has partnered with chip maker Intel to launch an educational tablet 'Eddy', aimed at children in the age group of 2-10 years. The tablet, priced at Rs 9,999 will be available exclusively on eCommerce firm Amazon's India website for about a month, after which it will be available across leading electronics and toy stores.

"We had earlier launched a beta version and it got a tremendous response. We have made improvements and partnered with Intel to power the device. We are confident about doing well across cities as parents are looking for solutions to help their kids learn in a fun way," Metis Learning Solution co-founder Bharat Gulia told PTI.

The device will come with discounts and offers worth Rs 4,500 for a limited time as an inaugural offer, he said.

"We conducted studies and found children in India are now increasingly spending a lot of time playing games on smartphones of their parents, who are often concerned about the content. Eddy provides a responsible and safe technology alternative for introducing kids to the digital age," he said.

Powered by Intel's Atom processor, the tablet comes pre-loaded with over 160 learning apps selected by Metis' educators and content experts to accelerate a child's social, emotional and cognitive development, he added.

"Parents can easily control the content and the time the child has access to the device. Besides, Eddy's screen ensures UV ray protection and lower eyestrain compared to other screens. It also comes with high quality drop-safe bumper made of food grade silicone bumper to prevent damage from falls," Gulia said.

The tablet features a seven-inch screen, 16GB memory (expandable upto 32GB), 1GB RAM, 2MP front and rear cameras, 2,800 mAH battery and 3G connectivity via dongles.

"Today we live in an era where children are exposed to technology from their early years through the inevitable presence of multiple screens in their lives. When used efficiently and effectively, technology truly becomes a wonderful part of a child's life," Intel South Asia Director (Marketing and Market Development) Sandeep Arora said.

Gulia said the company has received queries from other countries like Portugal for the product, but it is yet to take a decision on exporting the tablet.

"Educational tablets may be a niche category but it is definitely growing. In markets like the US, the numbers are bigger; and in India, too, it is estimated to be about 10 per cent of the tablets sold here. It is a huge opportunity," he added.

According to IDC, tablet sales in India grew nine per cent to 0.85 million units in April-June 2014 quarter compared to the previous quarter when the number was at 0.78 million units.