CES 2014: Fuhu introduces Dream Tab for kids

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Fuhu concept was to create an inexpensive tablet parents would be happy to pass to their kids and keep them happy — so that their beloved iPad would remain in their own hands.

There are many cheap Android tablets. But in 2013, Fuhi's $199 Nabi took off, striking such a chord with parents that sales more than doubled, to more than 2 million units, from 750,000 in 2012.

So what does Fuhu do for an encore? Team up with the DreamWorks Animation studio (Shrek, Madagascar) for a new Nabi, the "Dream Tab," with special cartoons, songs and apps from the DreamWorks library, along with apps like Angry Birds and Cartoon Network games.

Fuhu comes to CES with the new Android powered tablet, its third in the Nabi line (the $99 Nabi and $199 Nabi 2) along with several more adult type products aimed at kids.

All are brightly colored — a hallmark of the Nabi products, which distinguish it from the more understated adult tech colors of white, black and silver.

A new bright red wireless printer — like the Nabi — connects to the tablet. "Kids want their own printer," Fuhu CEO Jim Mitchell says. "They want to have the same thing their parents have, but in their own colors."

There is also a Nabi Karaoke machine. Kids stick their tablet atop the unit, pick up the big red microphone, and start singing along to the lyrics that are shown on the Nabi screen. The unit comes with speakers.

Nabi Karaoke(Photo: Sean Fujiwara)

No pricing has been announced, but all three products will be released in the first quarter.

The Dream Tab will feature a program to teach kids how to animate, and use the 100 DreamWorks characters to wake themselves up or exercise with the donkey from Shrek.

Mitchell says CES will be a g! reat "unveiling," for the new partnership with Dreamworks and the new Dream Tab. "CES is a big show for us," he says. "It's a chance for us to get all the retailers in and showcase what our focus is for 2014."

The challenge for Fuhu and other companies selling cheaper iPad alternative tablets is the widespread acceptance of the world's most popular tablet. "Kids start saying iPad when they're three or four years old," says Richard Doherty, an independent analyst with the Envisioneering Group.

Fuhu needs more apps created specifically for the Nabi, and more widespread acceptance of the Nabi as the kid iPad alternative.

"CES will be a big testing ground for them," Doherty says. "They could make connections there that would greatly expand their market."

Nabi tablets(Photo: Sean Fujiwara)

Readers: Did you buy a Nabi tablet for your kids? How do they like it? Tell me about it on Twitter, where I'm @jeffersongraham.