CBeebies launches first app

UK preschool channel CBeebies has released a dedicated mobile app that allows kids to play with characters from series such as Octonauts and Tree Fu Tom.

CBeebies Playtime

CBeebies Playtime is now available for free on Android, iOS and Kindle Fire devices in the UK and is designed to aid a child’s development “in a safe and secure offline environment,” according to the BBC.

The app features four games based on CBeebies series Alphablocks, Octonauts, Tree Fu Tom and Something Special’s Mr Tumble.

Profiles can be created for up to four children, while parents are also able to record messages for their children and find out about each game’s learning benefits.

The app was first mooted earlier this year by Joe Godwin, director of BBC Children’s.

“Technology is firmly embedded in children’s lives and has opened up opportunities to inform, educate and entertain them in new ways,” Godwin said.