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Virtual Geocaching - Xnote
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- $2.99
- Education
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Virtual Geocaching - Xnote allows users to send virtual scrolls with messages and photos via outdoor virtual treasure hunts. To hide a "treasure," users enter an address and tap on a map where they want the receiver to get the message. Messages can be sent via SMS text message, Facebook, email, or other social media apps. The recipient does not need to have the Virtual Geocaching - Xnote app. Multiple messages can be linked to create a tour or quiz-style treasure hunt. There are no filters, so content is dependent upon users. The app states that during play a user's location is not shared, but at the time of review there was no posted privacy policy.
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- Kids say
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What's it about?
Tap "Add Image" and the text box to create a photo and message on VIRTUAL GEOCACHING - XNOTE. Then tap "Hide Message." Search for a street, city, or other location. Once it appears on the map, zoom in and tap to place the red X that marks the spot. Then tap "Send Message." Choose from a variety of sending options -- SMS, iMessage, email, Facebook, and so on. The recipient will then get a message via the option you chose, which says "Hi, I've hidden a message for you! Tap here to see the treasure map" with a link to tap and view in their device's web browser.
Is it any good?
This is a fun, novel way to get your friends, family, or students searching outside for personalized, virtual treasures. Virtual Geocaching - Xnote is easy to use both while sending and receiving the treasure hunt messages. Searching around your yard, neighborhood, or community to retrieve a note sent by a friend can be fun and exciting. Of course, if kids younger than teens are sending and receiving notes beyond their own yards, a parent may want to accompany them. Remind your kids and teens: While walking and checking the map for the X that marks the message spot, they must be looking up and around, checking their surroundings. The Xnote app website also includes tips and ideas for quiz walks and other group activities for families and classrooms.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about basic outdoor safety related to walking, traffic, and being aware of people in your surroundings when using Virtual Geocaching - Xnote. If kids younger than teens are sending and receiving notes beyond their own yards, parents may want to accompany them.
Discuss how this app could be used in creative ways. How could you surprise a friend on her birthday with a treasure hunt note? How about a faraway relative? What sorts of notes or images would be fun to send, and where would you send them?
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions
Social Studies: exploration, geography - Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: investigation
Creativity: making new creations
Communication: conveying messages effectively, friendship building, multiple forms of expression
Tech Skills: social media, using and applying technology
Health & Fitness: movement - Price: $2.99
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: May 9, 2015
- Category: Education
- Size: 31.40 MB
- Publisher: Fredrik Alstorp
- Version: 4.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later
For kids who love playing outside and finding hidden objects
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.