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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Music-making meets social networking in iPod-enabled tool.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–12

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    For kids who are just beginning to explore music making, this Web site offers the opportunity to compose simple tracks and play around with musical elements, like drum and bass lines and melodic effects.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Although you can play for free, part of this Web site involves the purchase of iPod covers. These covers, which come in the shape of the Psyclops characters that play on the Web site, run from $14.99-$19.99 and can be purchased directly from the Web site. Users who purchase a cover can unlock special areas of the Web site.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Psyclops

Parents need to know that this site is part music-making tool and part promotion for iPod accessories. The site is tied to the Psyclops line of character iPod covers (compatible only with the Nano). Users who purchase a cover can unlock an interactive online world that allows for music and dance production and also social networking with friends. You don't have to buy the cover to put together tunes on the Web site.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about integrated media. Can you name an example of an item crossing over to different media? Do you think there will be other "virtual community" tie-ins with movies and video games in the near future? If you own an iPod, do you think this technology is something you'd be interesting in using?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    music mixer that actually works!

    this surprisingly works really well, regardless of the the other review, i was very impressed with its functionality and the design. it was very easy to use and a novel idea, i like how you can personalize and send videos to friends. very cute!

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    A must-have for kids who have a knack for music and creativity~!

    I loved this iphone app! I first read about it at Macworld 2009, and being a musician myself, I hoped to somehow get my kids into music. Since the website is free, I tested out my theory on my youngest child. She is almost 8, and I think it may of taken her all of 5 minutes to get goin on a song! she was so excited to make something all her own! I am so happy to be able to share the gift of music with my kids, without having to worry about their safety. thanks!!

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