Beware parents! This kid-filtering software has some problems. We just happened to hear the book our 11 year old was reading using the text-to-speech option. Here's what we heard: "I wonder if we will have sex tonight. I don't have a condom. I wonder if she has a condom."
The book turned out to be First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky, a young adult novel. https://www.amazon.com/First-Comes-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B005LVR01U/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491918555&sr=1-4&keywords=love+comes+first
I don't know why that is on FreeTime when we have the settings set for ages 8-11. Hey, at least they mentioned condoms, but come on. That is definitely not a book for 8-11 year olds.
Other than that problem, the software is horribly buggy. I have called customer service twice and they have guided me through the steps only to find it doesn't work and we have to send the device back. They did replace it like they said, but the problems just keep happening. The parental controls seem to reset themselves from time to time, so the time limits I create suddenly disappear. Or the device gets stuck on the Power off screen but won't actually power off or on. I try to add apps I bought but they don't appear. It's overcomplicated and asks for your password constantly. And it's not me, I follow the directions exactly and even the customer service people have not been able to get it to work.
But now that the kid-filtering software has gone so wrong, the last good reason to buy this tablet no longer applies.
I will also say that, if I had KNOWN that FreeTime was basically getting my kids addicted to downloading from hundreds of games at will, so that they always think they need a brand new game, I would not have bought it. I was hoping for them to have some educational apps. But there is no way in the parental controls to specify which apps they may play. My kids don't play the educational apps when they have so many other flashy choices.
I was also disappointed that I could not put Audible on the kids' Kindles. The text-to-speech software is awful to listen to, and I had already bought books on Audible I had planned to put on her Kindle. They worked on mine, I saw nothing before purchase about how the Audible app and audiobooks are specifically excluded from FreeTime for no apparent reason. Same thing with music files. I had hoped to fill my daughter's kindle with music from our own collection but you can't do that in FreeTime, and again, there was nothing to let me know about this before I bought it. So she listens to some app called I Heart Family Radio which seems to be all Alvin and the Chipmunks. My kid had good taste in music. Why are you doing this to us, Amazon! Stop the chipmunks! Seriously, though, if you are going to specifically exclude whole functions of the device, you need to let people know before they buy it.
But this latest screw-up is the worst. Since FreeTime allows kids to download freely and you have thousands of books available, I now have no way of knowing what inappropriate title she may get her hands on next. I have lost faith in your kid-filtering software which was the whole point of the purchase.
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Designed with kids in mind
Kids can read books in a simple, fun, and safe environment designed specifically for them with Kindle FreeTime. Younger kids can search before they know how to type by using Characters—for example, tap on images for “Princesses,” “Dinosaurs,” or “Cars.”
Best-in-class parental controls
Parents can have peace of mind that kids won’t access inappropriate content or websites, or accidentally make purchases as Kindle FreeTime blocks access to browsing and purchasing in the Kindle Store, access to the Internet, access to Wikipedia, and disables social sharing.
Track Achievements
With Kindle FreeTime, children can view their reading progress for each book, track reading accomplishments for each day, and earn achievement badges for reaching milestones.
Choose age-approved content
Parents can choose specific books for children in Kindle FreeTime from their existing Kindle library or by purchasing new e-books from the Kindle Store. Selections can be updated at any time and books shared in Kindle FreeTime will be available in the child’s profile on Kindle.
Vocabulary Builder
When kids look up words on Kindle, the words are automatically added to the Vocabulary Builder on the device. With Vocabulary Builder, kids can use flashcards to learn the definitions and usage of words.
Built-In Dictionary
Kindle comes with a built-in New Oxford American Dictionary so readers can easily access definitions without leaving the page.
Highlight
Readers can easily highlight their favorite quotes and sentences to remember for later.
Word Wise
With Word Wise, available on many English language titles, short and simple definitions automatically appear above difficult words so kids can keep reading with fewer interruptions. Tap on a word to bring up a simple card with definitions, synonyms, and more. The number of hints can be adjusted with a simple slider.
Drops? Spills? No worries
We all know accidents happen. Your Kindle is covered from day one by a 2-year worry-free guarantee for damage caused by common accidents, including knocking it off a table, dropping it in water, or your dog chewing on it. It also covers your Kindle against electrical and mechanical breakdowns. Learn More
Cover
The slim design easily and securely attaches to your Kindle without adding unnecessary weight. Magnet ensures cover is securely closed, while the durable polyurethane exterior protects your Kindle from scratches. Let them express themselves with one of several colorful choices. Learn More.
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I bought this for myself as my first kindle! This is the best deal you can get on a kindle, especially with the $30 off if you're a prime member. This is the original kindle that is $80 that comes with a case, no ads, and a protection plan. The case is magnetic, not the greatest quality, but it will do perfect for me for a year or so. I connected easily to my library account and to my other books already downloaded on my kindle app. It automatically connected to my amazon prime account. I love it! This deal will not disappoint!
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