PBS Kids Unveils TV and Playtime Streaming Stick

PBS Kids has revealed PBS Kids Plug & Play, the first kids’ TV and playtime streaming stick that allows children and families to access educational content such as games, videos and more without a WiFi connection.

PBS Kids Plug & Play provides a one-stop destination for a range of PBS Kids’ educational content. It is pre-loaded with sing-alongs, exclusive games and other original content that can all be accessed without a WiFi connection. When connected to WiFi, PBS Kids Plug & Play’s features expand, offering free access to PBS Kids’ new 24/7 channel and live stream in partnership with local PBS stations, as well as more than 100 hours of on-demand videos, with no subscriptions required.

Fresh content, including new videos, special seasonal content and more, will be added regularly at no additional cost. PBS Kids Plug & Play looks like a toy racecar and comes with a child-friendly remote. When plugged in, the device provides access to PBS Kids’ content. PBS Kids Plug & Play can be used anywhere there is a TV. PBS Kids partnered with Ematic, a leading innovator in children’s educational and entertainment tech products, to develop PBS Kids Plug & Play. PBS Kids and Ematic also recently partnered on the PBS Kids Playtime Pad, an educational children’s tablet that launched last year.

“We know families are busy and on-the-go, and value spending time together whenever they can,” said Dawn Ciccone, the VP of brand licensing at PBS. “We have also learned from research that when parents are engaged with their children in activities related to their favorite TV shows or games, children learn more. PBS Kids Plug & Play furthers PBS Kids’ mission of providing high-quality, educational content for children anytime, anywhere, turning any TV into an interactive and fun learning resource.”

“It was an honor to develop such an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art product for children in partnership with PBS Kids,” said Roy Rayn, the president of Ematic. “The PBS Kids Plug & Play streaming stick is a testament to the great commitment our two organizations have to delivering entertaining and educational content to kids wherever they may be.”

The net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of the PBS Kids Plug & Play will support PBS Kids’ mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life. The PBS Kids Plug & Play is now available for $49.99 on Walmart’s website and will be available in Walmart stores nationwide by May 24. It will be available in additional retail locations later this year.