Amazon Glow: Connection for Kids

A tabletop projector built for connected activities and games

- By Eric Griffith

Amazon Glow

$299.99

EXCELLENT

The Amazon Glow is a tabletop entertainment system that projects games and activities onto a touch-friendly mat. Between the Glow's video calling screen and its large, interactive mat, kids can read books, draw pictures, or play games with friends and relatives no matter where they are. Although it's fun to use and we like the variety of activities available, the Glow requires a decent amount of free space, as well as a subscription in order to use it. That said, it was a big hit with my nearly-4-year-old son, who would usually rather be watching PAW Patrol but had a blast with the Glow.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

Before we get started, we should note that although it's designed for children ages three and older, Amazon places a warning on the box for the Glow stating that it isn't a toy. As much fun as the Glow is for kids-and it shouldn't require a lot of supervision, in theory-it's still a big electronic device. And the setup process, although no worse than setup for any other smart device that needs access to your Wi-Fi network, is not child-friendly.

Included in the box are three items: a power cord; a rolled-up, rubbery white mat with an embossed Amazon smile logo in the upper-right corner for orientation; and the somewhat monolithic-looking Glow device. The mat measures 18.2 by 12.1 by 0.04 inches (HWD), with a notch centered at the top where you set the Glow, which itself measures 5.6 by 5.4 by 14.2 inches and weighs just over 3.5 pounds.