theCynch

Up until recently, the words “gadget” and “toddlers” wouldn’t commonly be used in the same sentence.

With the advent of the iPad, things are changing and a new niche has formed. The simplicity of iPad’s interface has allowed children as young as 2 (and perhaps younger) to get introduced to new tech.

Before the iPad, the closest thing for toddlers was a LeapFrog, which was marketed for “children ages 3 and up” to help them learn “computer basics.” The device, in one of its forms, looks like a flat, green dog with keys protruding through its skin. (Does this teach children to poke small puppies?) Though many have been pleased with LeapFrog, this device isn’t what most consider “techy” or “geeky.”

Now, a recent video shows a 2 1/2-year-old using the iPad with ease. It suggests that the iPad (or a rival tablet) will become the primary device upon which children will learn to read and become familiar with technology.

The Cynch: Though a variety of iPhone apps were made available for toddlers last year, the iPad creates demand for more (and better) toddler-targeted apps.

Toddlers are becoming new-age geeks, which means that they will have temper tantrums if something doesn’t work correctly. (They can play the age card so they can’t be blamed.)

This new generation of geeks will probably have an agile understanding of computer science by the time they graduate the 6th grade. Could our next Apple, Google and Microsoft executives be middle schoolers? Talk about early adopters!