Do you have a smartphone (or maybe more than just one) lying somewhere around the house? There is an interesting project on Kickstarter aimed at repurposing a smartphone and introducing your kids to photography. Pixlplay is a smartphone housing designed as a classic 35mm camera. It combines hardware and software, so you can connect it to your smartphone, access a Pixlplay photo app and let your kids bring out their inner photographer.
The casing has a working shutter button, which is connected to the phone with a 3.5mm audio jack. iPhone 7 users, don’t worry, you can use the adapter. Pixlplay is adapted for kids’ tiny hands, and has an ergonomic rubbery grip and a wrist strap. It also has a built-in protection screen to protect the camera from any dirt or damage.
You can use most standard size phones with Pixlplay: iPhone 7, 6s, 6, 5, SE, 5s, 5c, 4, 4s and iPod Touch, most Android and Windows smartphones. You can check the entire list here. The maximum dimensions of phone can be 5.59 x 2.95 x 0.374” (142 x 75 x 9.5mm). It will be produced in two colors, and the backers can vote half way through the campaign to decide which ones it will be.
Other than physical casing, Pixlplay also includes an iOS app. It allows kids to add stickers, props and frames to the photos, as well as follow some interesting photo activities. As for Android and Windows users, Pixplplay is compatible with all camera apps for these phones.
If love for photography is passed down through generations, then your kids probably like taking photos just like you. The Pixplplay casing is a fun way to let them take photos with a smartphone, and this toy/app can have several purposes. First, you can use it to protect your smartphone and let your kids play without worrying they’ll smash it to pieces. Then, you can repurpose an old smartphone you have in some of the drawers. Also, you can even use it yourself to protect the phone when shooting outdoors and in unfavorable conditions.
We’ve seen many interesting Kickstarter campaigns, but I’m glad there is one devoted to sharing love for photography with kids. It can be a nice gift, or a fun way to encourage your child to explore photography. It’s pretty affordable too, and you can get a Pixlplay camera, a wrist strap and camera crafts activity sheet at the “early bird” price of $20. When this stock is sold, you can get it for $25, and the shipping is expected to begin in June 2017.
