Saturday, January 11, 2014

Fuhu, Inc. And DreamWorks Animation Launch The DreamTab; To Include Nickelodeon Content

Fuhu, Inc. has announced in the following press release, from Marketwired, the exciting news that FUHU, Inc., the creator of the award-winning nabi tablet, and the American animation studio DreamWorks Animation have joined forces to unveil the "DreamTab", a state-of-the-art new tablet designed from the ground-up just for kids. Tapping into Fuhu's expertise in the kids technology space and DreamWorks Animation's world-class artists, filmmakers and innovators, this relationship provides a unique technology experience for kids and their parents with innovative parental controls, creative learning suites featuring award-winning animators and first-of-its-kind COPPA-compliant email, texting and sharing. The "DreamTab" was unveiled at CES 2014 and will roll out to U.S. retail later in the Spring of 2014, followed by an international release later this year.

Far beyond a content agreement, Fuhu and DreamWorks Animation have aligned to co-develop the "DreamTab" and transform the way kids learn, play and grow through technology. You can find a list of some of the device's exclusive experiences in the PR below.

Fuhu and DreamWorks' brand-new "DreamTab" tablet will feature Nick Stars from Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation's popular CG-animated Nicktoons "The Penguins of Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" embedded into the tablet's exclusive features, as well as a custom built "nabi Play" featuring the widest variety of kids programming -- from DreamWorks Animation as well as Nickelodeon and other children's content sources -- comingled in one easy to navigate location.

Fuhu's latest partnership with DreamWorks follows the company's continuing successful multi-year deal with Nickelodeon to produce and distribute Nickelodeon-themed tablet accessories and nabi Jr. & nabi 2 Nickelodeon Special Edition tablets pre-loaded with the network's content, including "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Dora the Explorer", "Team Umizoomi", "Bubble Guppies" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".

Original Fuhu, Inc. Press Release:

SOURCE: FUHU, Inc.
January 03, 2014 15:01 ET

Fuhu, Inc. and DreamWorks Animation Launch the DreamTab

Technology and Creativity Combine for Unique Tablet Experience Designed From the Ground Up Just for Kids

EL SEGUNDO, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 3, 2014) - Fuhu, Inc., creator of the award-winning nabi® tablet, and DreamWorks Animation (NASDAQ: DWA) have joined forces to unveil the DreamTab, a state-of-the-art new tablet designed from the ground-up just for kids. Tapping into Fuhu's expertise in the kids tech space and DreamWorks Animation's world-class artists, filmmakers and innovators, this relationship provides a unique technology experience for kids and their parents with innovative parental controls, creative learning suites featuring award-winning animators and first-of-its-kind COPPA-compliant email, texting and sharing. The DreamTab will be unveiled at CES before rolling out to U.S. retail later in the Spring of 2014, followed by an international release later this year.

"As we look to further innovate the kids tech space and expand our mission to give families the freedom to safely learn, play and grow through technology, it's crucial that we continue to identify new ways to evolve the landscape and bring original and creative experiences. This strategic alliance with DreamWorks Animation and the creation of the DreamTab is a major game changer in taking kids tech to a whole new level," said Jim Mitchell, CEO of Fuhu. "Similar to the entrepreneurial nature of Fuhu, there is a founder-led spirit of innovation at DreamWorks Animation which permeates the studio and inspires them to create compelling content, regardless of the medium. They are true experts in crafting exceptional family entertainment with a unique understanding of and passion for technology."

"Fuhu grabbed our attention when they came on the market because they single-handedly made a quantum leap forward in revolutionizing the kids tech space; as their company grew, we saw an incredible opportunity to join with them to take the overall tablet experience to a whole new level," said DreamWorks Animation's Head of Digital Strategy, Jim Mainard. "The DreamTab posed a compelling challenge not only to our filmmakers and artists to create content for this new medium, but also for our engineers and innovators who worked hand-in-hand with the Fuhu team to develop the consumer-facing side of this groundbreaking technology."

Far beyond a content agreement, Fuhu and DreamWorks Animation have aligned to co-develop the DreamTab and transform the way kids learn, play and grow through technology. The device's exclusive experiences include:

* Enhanced Fuhu signature education system Wings Learning System™ (aligned to Common Core Standards) that adapts to the proficiency of the child in reading, writing and math. First of its kind offline Bluetooth enabled workbooks in conjunction with the DreamTab will bring together offline and online learning experiences.

* Advanced parental controls that allow for moms/dads to set time limits, add nabi coins to a kid's account, lock or unlock features, and provides for a COPPA-compliant / kid safe e-mail, text and photo sharing capability that is one-of-a-kind and can integrate parents' own mobile devices. With all-new content created for the DreamTab by DreamWorks acclaimed filmmakers to bring these innovative controls to life, kids can now customize their own tablet experience from sign-on to shut down with exclusive character moments encouraging them to study, go out and play or wake up in the morning.

* Artistic educational experiences highlighted by the Creative Studio "Be an Artist" program, which gives kids one-on-one video lessons with world-class DreamWorks animators. The same award-winning artists behind such iconic films as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon will teach kids how to draw their favorite characters, all while using the same cutting-edge stylus tool used by the artists on the actual films.

* NFC (near field communication) gaming technology in which figurines come to life online by tapping on the tablet. The initial game, School of Dragons, an educational multiplayer online experience, will feature DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon franchise.

* Custom built "nabi Play" featuring the widest variety of kids programming -- from DreamWorks Animation as well as Nick, Disney, Cartoon Network and other leading children's content sources -- comingled in one easy to navigate location.

* Curated App Zone and Treasure Box that allow parents and kids to browse, download, purchase apps, games, music, movies, videos, e-books and even real goods with a single click.

* Launched on 8-inch and 12-inch, an entirely new 4.4 Kit Kat Android based operating system with Fuhu's OS overlay (titled Blue Morpho O/S with more than 200 new features), Full HD IPS display, and new advances in active stylus, touch-screen and NFC technologies -- establishing the product as one of the most advanced, lightning fast and powerful tablets on the market, enabling kids to use multiple apps simultaneously, play top-of-the line games and share photos with the highest level of performance available on 16GB and 32GB.

* Cloud synching technology enabling the DreamTab to be instantly refreshed with new DreamWorks Animation experiences / content.

Fuhu and DreamWorks Animation will establish an ongoing relationship with families, who can continually look forward to cool new content, upgrades and enhancements -- making the DreamTab a tablet with limitless experiences and creativity that is uniquely customizable. In addition to choosing which character moments play within the Fuhu ecosystem, Fuhu will also introduce a wide range of accessories that will enable kids to personalize the look and feel of their tablet. These accessories range from nabi signature bumpers featuring an array of imaginative DreamWorks characters, to headphones, screen protectors, carrying cases and a host of other top-of-the-line branded products that enhance the DreamTab experience from the outside in.

Recently named by Inc. Magazine as America's #1 Fastest Growing Company, Fuhu has established a new category in the kids tech space with its high-end technology solutions led by its best-selling nabi tablet -- the world's first full-featured Android tablet made just for kids -- as well as premium headphones, digital cameras and other accessories. The relationship with DreamWorks Animation further establishes Fuhu at the forefront of the kids technology revolution and expands its mission to design and deliver "thoughtful" experiences in entertainment and education to children.

About Fuhu, Inc.

Fuhu, Inc., the creator of the nabi tablet, is the leading designer, seller and innovator of thoughtful consumer products and services for children. Fuhu is committed to creating children's solutions that are: (1) socially responsible, (2) made right, (3) make a difference in people's lives, (4) For Parents. By Parents.® and (5) dedicated to the intellectual development of children. Fuhu, Inc. is the No. 1 Fastest-Growing Private Company amongst 5,000 in America as ranked by Inc.'s exclusive 32nd Inc. 500|5000 list. Fuhu is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., with offices in Denver, San Jose, China, Hong Kong, Taipei and Japan. For more information, visit www.fuhu.com and www.nabitablet.com.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 27 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss in Boots, and The Croods.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Fuhu
Grace Ryu
310-227-8230 ext 1020
Email Contact

Jeffrey Klein, Megan Pollock
DKC
212-685-4300
Email Contact
Email Contact

DreamWorks Animation
Matt Lifson
818-695-6576
Email Contact

Allison Rawlings
818-695-3278
Email Contact

MULTIMEDIA



US Landmarks on each Homescreen: With all new sleek and user friendly UI design for kids, each home screen has a US Landmark in the background for kids to have fun while learning about the historic places where they live.



My First Social Network with nabi Friends: Kids can safely learn how to use and behave correctly on social networking platforms on the world's first TRUSTe certified, COPPA compliant one-to-one social networking platform, managed and monitored by parents. With no unique identifiers and unique Friend code based system, kids can securely connect with their trusted family members to share their creativity through email, IM, and photos.



Be an Artist with an award-winning animator: Kids can master drawing skills with professional tools and a private video tutorial from Dave Burgess, the head animator at DreamWorks, as part of the DreamTab's exclusive Creative Studio, "Be an Artist" program.



Time to Learn: The Penguins of Madagascar alert kids that it's ''study time'' as part of one of many unique character moments developed by DreamWorks Animation filmmakers exclusively for the DreamTab to delight kids and seamlessly integrate with the parental controls on the tablet.



Time to Play: It's Play Time! King Julien from Madagascar dances through a video encouraging kids its ''Time to Play'' as part of one of many unique character moments developed by DreamWorks Animation filmmakers exclusively for the DreamTab to surprise and delight kids and create a customized experience from sign-on to shut-down.



Personalize your DreamTab: From the start, DreamTab welcomes kids with a customized profile picture and a special message from Mom or Dad, just for them.

[See Also:]

nabi Tablet Facebook Page
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