Skylight Buddy review: Can a $120 digital calendar tame toddler routines?
WIRED tests the Skylight Buddy, a touchscreen calendar for children aged four to ten that lacks cameras and microphones but relies on a freemium model for full functionality.
WIRED has published a review of the Skylight Buddy, a digital calendar device specifically engineered for children aged four to ten. The hardware aims to streamline morning and evening routines, such as brushing teeth and wearing pyjamas, by utilising a 7.5-inch touchscreen with picture icons designed for pre-literate users. The device is priced at $120, which includes a free month of the Plus Plan, or $140 for the hardware alone, with an optional Buddy Plus subscription available for $39 annually.
The physical unit features a 1024 x 600 resolution display, a large yellow select button, and volume controls. It includes two speakers and a dim night-light function integrated into the base. Notably, the device lacks both a microphone and a camera, a design choice intended to address privacy concerns regarding its use in a child’s bedroom. The unit is only available in white, though a silicone case in purple, green, or blue can be purchased separately for $20.
Configuration is managed through the Skylight app, which categorises tasks as either chores or routines. The Buddy syncs with existing Skylight digital calendars, allowing tasks to be reflected across both devices. This integration is particularly useful for households with multiple floors, enabling children to check off tasks on the Buddy while parents monitor progress on a larger home calendar.
During testing, the reviewer noted that the device successfully engaged a four-year-old child for nearly two weeks. The interface provides visual feedback, including a shower of emojis upon task completion, which the child found rewarding. However, the reviewer observed that the child sometimes manipulated the system to trigger the emoji animation before finishing tasks, requiring occasional parental guidance to ensure routines were completed.
While the sound machine and night-light functions are functional, the review suggests they are less advanced than competitors such as the Hatch Baby. The Skylight Plus subscription, which costs $39 annually, offers additional features such as rewards, timers, and nudges. For families without a Skylight calendar, the Buddy Plus subscription provides similar functionality at a lower cost, though the core device remains usable without a subscription.
