Nabi tablets grow to big screen-sized displays

The makers of the kid-friendly Nabi tablets have started thinking even bigger -- think TV-sized.

This past fall, display maker Fuhu expanded its lineup with 20-inch and 24-inch Big Tabs. Previously, it made portables in the 7-inch to 11-inch range.

Now, Fuhu has a new extra large line of TV-sized touch-screen displays from 32 inches to 65 inches in the works. Due out in the second half of 2015 with prices ranging from $699 to $3,999 for the 65-inch 4K Ultra HD model, these new Big Tabs target interactive experiences in the kitchen and living room, says Fuhu co-founder and president Robb Fujioka.

Manufactured with LG Electronics, the Big Tabs can connect with home appliances to create a smarter kitchen, he says. Smaller Nabi tablets can serve as controllers or second screens for video games, educational activities and other entertainment on the bigger displays.

The Big Tab displays can be used as a TV – there's no built-in tuner – but will be smarter than current "smart TVs," he says. "Imagine watching a recipe and then downloading the recipe and ordering groceries or ingredients for that onscreen, as well."

Fuhu has already created more than 20 multiplayer games -- up to four players can be touching the screen at the same time -- as well as creativity apps and specific cooking, shopping and sports apps.

The 55-inch and 65-inch displays can deliver full Ultra HD resolution -- four times the current HD quality -- and have built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and near-field communications compatibility. Connections include HDMI for adding Blu-ray Disc players.

And the displays can connect to the Google Play store for movies, TV episodes and games. The touch-screen allows for one-touch payment -- of course, parental controls let parents set up purchase allowances.

"We are really looking at experiences that you cannot get with (current) smart TVs," Fujioka said.

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