Yoto Player and Yoto Mini have hit the shelves with a fresh new look and some pretty cool enhancements. The 4th Gen of both players headline takeaways are that access to all your favourite stories is now easier, there’s smarter bedtime routines and even more staying power for those family adventures!
Yoto has unveiled its biggest hardware update yet, launching the Yoto Player 4th Gen and Yoto Mini 4th Gen, and we were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek ahead of its October launch last month.
So, let’s jump right in – the first thing you notice right away is the Green Button, which gives children instant, card-free access to up to 20 favourite audio titles. Grown-ups simply create a personalised playlist in the free Yoto App, and little listeners can then twist, press and play without having to hunt down the Yoto Card that has inevitably disappeared under the sofa!
And it’s not limited to existing cards. Parents can add digital-only content and free audio from their library too, including everything from soundscapes and stories to toothbrush timers, potentially making the morning rush just that little bit easier.
The 4th Gen Yoto Player has also been designed with morning and bedtime routines in mind. Parents can create different playlists to suit their family’s day. Mornings could start with the Yoto Daily podcast, a toothbrush timer or some BrainBots facts, while bedtime could switch things down a gear with lullabies, white noise, Yoto Sleep Radio or perhaps a favourite story.
There’s also a new night-light panel, with seven colour options that can be used to create a cosy bedtime glow or as an ‘Ok-to-Wake’ cue, handy for younger children who aren’t quite on board with the idea that 5am is not morning!
Future free software updates are also expected to introduce dynamic lighting effects that respond to what children are listening to.
Under the hood, there’s been an upgrade too. Both new players now come with 64GB of storage, enough for up to 1,000 hours of audio, alongside a new processor and upgraded connectivity.
The Yoto Mini 4th Gen has had an especially family-friendly durability boost. The portable player is now IP67 puddle-proof, with basically means that they feature splash and dust resistance designed to cope with everything from days out and long car journeys to the general chaos of travelling with children. We experienced one being repeatedly dropped and it had no issues!
Accessories have had a makeover too, including updated Adventure Jackets in four new bright colours, a wrist lanyard for the Mini version and a refreshed Travel Case with room for headphones and up to 30 Yoto Cards.
And there’s something in the box to get children started straight away. The full-size Player includes a free digital 5 Minute Stories From Around the World Yoto Card, while Mini owners get Journey Jams. Both also come with a Make Your Own Card and stickers.
If you are a loyal Yoto fan and have built up a great collection of cards over the years and not wanting to switch to a new player, fear not, you can use all new cards in the older generations, and likewise if you are looking to make the move, all existing cards still work in the 4th Gen Players.
Retaining the excellent value for money that both players offer, the Yoto Player 4th Gen is priced £119.99, while the Yoto Mini 4th Gen is £89.99. The full-size Player should be available from 15 October.
For more information and to purchase, visit www.yotoplay.com
