I have a lot of fond memories of my grandparents, but the most vivid aren’t from holiday gatherings or birthday parties. No, my most memorable moments often involved a game of tic-tac-toe or a round of Monopoly on a rainy day. It’s a universally recognized equation: Grandparents plus games equals an awesome time for a kid.
Ustyme, a new iPad app designed by a grandmother from San Francisco (really), puts a decidedly modern spin on that equation. It combines simple elementary school apps and e-books with video chat, turning game time into fun family time.
The app itself is free, and you’ll get a game and two e-books along with your download to try it out. Additional games and books that work with Ustyme can be had for anywhere between $0.99 and $1.99. The library is somewhat limited, though more content is being added regularly. Thankfully, you only have to buy content once – games and books can be shared between devices during calls.
If you have long-distance relatives who use video chat or if you just find yourself out of town on business from time to time, give the app a try. You might not be there to read a bedtime story in person, but a video chat bedtime story is the next best thing.
For more on Ustyme, check out the video below or visit its website at ustyme.com.
