Milkshake! launches safe new PC Playground
Channel Five’s top-rating pre-school strand Milkshake! is launching a branded version of Europe’s safest child web application Magic Desktop. An EU government study* ranked Magic Desktop for two years in a row as the safest and best child software in the world. Magic Desktop has been developed by Norwegian Software company Easybits Kids and offers a completely safe and fun environment for children online.
Milkshake! Magic Desktop will be a branded version of the Norwegian software, and will launch at the end of November as a downloadable application from the Milkshake website (five.tv/milkshake).
Milkshake! Magic Desktop will allow children to play and learn in an environment where they cannot accidentally delete or damage other computer files, can only visit pre-loaded and parentally-chosen websites and will have access to the world’s first totally secure e-mail program designed for children. There is a basic free entry level version from which parents can upgrade to a Premium Edition for a one off payment of £19.99
The site’s content will be brought to life by Milkshake’s much loved tv characters including Peppa Pig, Noddy, Olivia, The Mr Men, Fifi and the Flowertots and Roary the Racing Car.
As well as exclusive streamed episodes of favourite Milkshake programmes children can enjoy unique games, stories and activities. In addition there is a menu of educational programmes complete with simple writing tasks, maths and music exercises. Parents can upgrade programmes as children progress.
Milkshake! Magic Desktop’s content will be supplied by three main content providers – E1, Chorion and Chapman Entertainment. In addition the site will provide streamed content and feature programmes which are not currently available on Five’s On Demand service.
The launch on the Milkshake! Website develops Milkshake’s strategy of easy, safe and entertaining web activity for pre-school children. It extends the reach of Milkshake’s unrivalled line up of pre-school heroes online.
Channel Five’s Commissioning Editor of Children’s Programmes Jessica Symons says: “Milkshake Magic Desktop is innovative, exciting and just what parents are looking for: a totally safe online environment for their children. The presence of Milkshake’s pre-school heroes on the Desktop makes the child’s experience not only educational but engaging, entertaining and irresistible.”
Notes:
* In 2007 for the second year running, Magic Desktop was named “The best software for children up to 10 years of age” by a study carried out by Deloitte and Touche for the European Union government’s initiative – Safer Internet day.
EasyBits Kids is a privately held multi-national company based in Oslo. For years we have been developing family oriented products designed to simplify and enhance the computer experience. We deliver tools that prepare the little ones for the future, bring friends and families closer, and offer advanced technology solutions. With millions of satisfied customers across the globe, EasyBits boasts groundbreaking technology and award-winning products, all created with our simple vision in mind. We believe in user-friendly programs and technology that is accessible to all ages and skill sets.
Our primary product is Magic Desktop. Its mission is to turn Information Technology into Infant Technology. We want to introduce kids to PCs at an early age in a completely safe environment – safe for the kids and safe for their parents' PCs and data.
We believe that an early introduction to PCs enables kids to develop useful skills early on, which serves them well in later life. To this end, giving kids a great head start, we are working with the governments and numerous non-governmental projects doing just that – enabling kids to acquire useful skills early on in a completely safe environment.