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Wednesday 05 September

A high tech office tool with a totally fun alter-ego just for parents.

Echo Smartpen | LivescribeYou may recall our raves about the brilliance of Livescribe's fancy Echo smartpen. Just when we thought the bar had been set on the techy coolness factor from this clever company, they come up with a nifty new trick to blow our minds.

 

Meet the sound sticker.

With the Echo pen and sound sticker combo you can record short excepts of audio that then live on the sticker only to be heard when you tap it with the trusty pen. Originally intended for recording and playing back audio notes, we of course love the idea of giving this gadget an alter ego by taking it out of the office and into the playroom. From my own brain alone, the possibilities are nearly endless.

How about recording a distant grandparent narrating your child's favorite bedtime story that you can then play for them anytime. Get creative with a birthday party scavenger hunt around the house to be decoded only with the magic pen. Turn it into interactive holiday cards for your military spouse overseas. As for me, I'd leave audio instructions for my husband on what to pack the kiddos for lunch so I can sleep in, ha.

While indeed it's cool, I wouldn't run out and get the pen specifically for play--because it's actually pretty hi-tech and pricey. But if you already own the pen or are in the market for one, definitely don't pass up the potential to up the fun of this rad little accessory just by adding stickers. - Stephanie M

Find the sound sticker, Echo pen and more at Livescribe.

Find More: Communication + Connectivity, Doodads and Random Bits of Coolness, Tech Toys and Random Fun

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