There are a few things I have had to come to terms with as a parent with a school-going children in this connected age. First, the reality that the online world is going to very much a part of our children’s lives (whether we like it or not). Second, before whatever out there gets to them, as parents, I have better ‘get to them’ first.

Indeed, there is no escaping the online world. As it is, we work with it, learn from it and live with it daily on a 24/7 basis.  Some of us can’t even function without the internet. As adults, we know that the influences of the online world are not always positive. In addition to the physical world, which our parents had taught us to function in, we now have to impart ‘survival skills’ and good cyber habits to our kids so that they can navigate the online world safely.

This is where the Samsung Galaxy View can play a part.

I must admit when I first laid eyes on the device, I was surprised. While I was expecting a tablet of sorts, I did not expect one in this size (18.4 “ screen). After all, most gadgets these days boast of being smaller, thinner and lighter. It was only after using the Samsung Galaxy View that I really appreciate the ingenuity of its features.

For a start, it is not meant to be as petite as other conventional tablets. While it can certainly be moved around the home, it is not meant for use on public transport, for instance. SO what is it for? You ask.

Watch our home video as we un-boxed the Samsung Galaxy View:

The Samsung Galaxy View is home device for family members to live, laugh and learn together. Unlike a computer where only one person controls the mouse and the keyboard or a conventional tablet where the second user has to watch from the sideline, the Samsung Galaxy View, with a screen size of 18.4”, can be used by 2-3 persons, concurrently allowing each user to actively participate in the online activity together.

Beyond just the physical hardware, what impresses me is also the ‘heart’ ware of this device – the purpose-built apps that are designed for the family to learn and grow together holistically. We sum these experiences in three ways:

To Live:

In a globalized world, families are often located across the world. On a regular basis, it would be for work, which can last between days to months at end. Some of us also have close family members who have emigrated or are studying overseas. These are loved ones we would like to stay in-touch with, with the help of technology.

The ‘Family Square’ app allows us to share photos with our family members through this online depository. Photos can be uploaded onto Family Square for other family members or family friends to view from a Samsung device to another. The app is fairly easy and straightforward to use. What is impressive is also that with the big and bright HD screen, pictures literally jump right at us with its clarity and contrasts. Impressive.

Photo Credit: Samsung

The app also allows viewers to add special notes or messages on a shared photo. It was quite fun and certainly engaging for me to share my experiences at work with the kids (E.g. Letting my daughter get a peek into a typical day in her Daddy’s life). I can only imagine how meaningful this app can be for parents who need to travel regularly.

To Laugh:

With the large and clear screen, the Samsung Galaxy View allows us to watch YouTube videos, homemade slideshows and movies together. We love to make homemade videos and watching together on the Samsung Galaxy in full HD glory made it more enjoyable. The large screen also enable parents to monitor and ensure that the online contents our children are consuming do not stray from the desirable media clips we have curated from them. These content can be transferred online or via a micro SD card slot available at the side of the device.

To Learn:

KidsTimeTM 3.0 is a specially designed app that hosts a whole slew of fun apps for kids to pick up knowledge using technology. These carefully curated apps use the interactive approach via games, quizzes and even eBooks etc. They are all carefully curated and are suitable for children between the ages of 3 – 7.  Ever since Dana entered Primary School, we realised the strong emphasis on e-learning, be it for research or supplementary activities on educational websites.  With the Samsung Galaxy View, we no longer have to fight over the use of the desktop PC or the iPad. She can do her online learning on the device while we sit next to her to guide and support her comfortably.

Watch this home video of what KidsTimeTM 3.0 is all about:

Parental Control: KidsTime Parents – Parents can monitor their child’s progress and activity from another Samsung device (E.g. a Samsung mobile phone) via the complementary app – KidsTime Parents. Their parents can also manage the time allowed for their children to use the Kids Time app.  Synching the KidsTimeTM 3.0 with KidsTime Parents was relatively easy. After the first setup (which must be done using the same network), for subsequent occasions, the parent can view, monitor and manage the app’s usage from anywhere as long as there’s Internet connectivity.

Photo Credit: Samsung

Watch a simple home video of how easy it is to sync KidsTimeTM 3.0 with KidsTime Parents :

The games and activities in Kids Time are actually quite interesting and some even challenging. Do not belittle its ‘kiddish’ outlook! Most importantly, it provides the kids with a range of educational activities from just a single app.

Learning together: It was just nice that my daughter was trying to complete her school’s project when the Samsung Galaxy View arrived. Using YouTubeTM videos and other internet-based sites, I was able to see clearly what sites she was getting her information from, where she was navigating to and, best of all, join in and guide her along. Research has shown that children learn better when their parents learn together with them. With the Samsung Galaxy View, we do not need to take turns using the mouse or the keyboard. We also do not have to take turns looking at a petite screen but rather we can share the learning experience instantaneously together. The Samsung Galaxy View is also more portable than an entire desktop personal computer system, allowing us – parent and child, to learn from anywhere comfortably in the home (be it study room, living room, bedroom or even the dining table!).

On the point of learning, as an IOS user, my fear of using a device with an Android interface was completely unfounded. It was actually quite easy and user-friendly.

Cyber Wellness Tips:

Parents can use the revolutionary Samsung Galaxy View to inculcate good cyber wellness practices to our children. Here are some suggestions:

1. Parents as role models: Parents should role model our own usage habits and our online consumption patterns, especially on social media and the Internet. Habits, like values, are caught and not taught. If we are addicted to our mobile devices and the Internet, our kids will see that as a norm.

2. Use in an open area: It is always good for children to navigate the Internet and social media from the open areas in the home. E.g. Living Room, Dining area etc. This is to ensure that they do not unintentionally stray into sites with undesirable contents or compromise their personal privacy.

3. Set a schedule: Anything in moderation is always good. Likewise with the use of devices, it is good to sit down and plan with your children the proper schedule and duration spent online.

4. Avoid using near bedtime: Having too much stimulus from online activities may affect the brain’s ability to wind down before sleeping, therefore compromise a person’s sleep quality. It’s always advisable to stop online activity (e.g. Surfing the Web or Playing Online Games etc.) at least an hour or so before bed time.

5. Share and Learn: Take an active interest in your children’s online activities – watch and read with them, play educational games together…This makes the online experience more enriching and worthwhile.

Technical Stuff:

Product Name: Samsung Galaxy View
Display: 18.4” Full HD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen
Dimension: 451.8 x 275.8 x 11.9mm, 2.95kg
CPU/AP: 1.6 GHz Octa Core
OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
Battery Life: Up to 8 hrs
Sound: Rich Stereo
Connectivity: Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, 4G
Internal Storage: 32GB^
External Storage: Micro SD card
Others: Built-in 2 Way Stand which converts to Flat-lay Curved stand

For more information, please visit Samsung Singapore Website.

^ Actual user-accessible internal storage is less than specified total memory due to operating system, software, and other built-in applications, and may vary after software updates/ upgrades.

Disclaimer: We reviewed the Samsung Galaxy View for the purposes of this article. No monetary compensation was received. All photos and opinions, as usual, are ours.