LeapFrog unveils next-gen educational portables

Educational toy company LeapFrog has announced two new platforms, the next generation of its LeapPad kid's learning tablet, and a new handheld learning video game system. LeapFrog produces some of the most popular educational game consoles, and allows external developers to create and release games on its platforms. The company's devices have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Targeting children aged 3 to 9 years old, the new LeapPad 2 tablet (pictured) features high-resolution back and front cameras and video recorders, and has a faster processor, double the RAM (4 GB), and a longer battery life compared to the previous model. It includes a selection of free apps (e.g. Cartoon Director, Art Studio, Pet Pad), and it's compatible with LeapFrog Explorer cartridges and LeapFrog App Center digital content. By the end of the year, the LeapPad content library is expected to have over 325 game cartridges, apps, eBooks, and more. The company's new handled, LeapsterGS, is for children aged 4 to 9 years old, and offers a built-in motion sensor and a camera and video recorder. It also has a thinner design, larger screen, faster processor, longer battery life, and four times the memory (2 GB) compared to its predecessor. LeapsterGS will include free content of its own like Escape of the Sillies and Pet Pad. The portable's content library is expected to have over 300 game cartridges, apps, videos, and more before the end of 2012. It supports LeapFrog Explorer cartridges and LeapFrog App Center digital content, too. LeapFrog will begin selling both devices in the U.S. Canada, UK, and Ireland starting July 18, and bring them to other regions this fall. The LeapPad2 will sell for $99.99 while the LeapsterGS will sell for $69.99. Downloadable apps are priced at $5 and up, while cartridges sell for $24.99.