US Toy giant toys R Us launches kids’ tablet computer

US toy giant Toys R Us is getting into the burgeoning market for tablet computers with a new device aimed squarely at kids, the company announced Monday. The Tabeo will sell for 149 dollars, featuring a 7-inch screen and a pre-installed package of 50 free games and activities for children. The tablet runs on Google’s Android 4.0 operating system and is equipped with wi-fi but no cellular connection. A set of parental controls will help keep young eyes away from inappropriate web sites, Toys R Us said in a statement. The Tabeo will begin shipping on October 1. The Tabeo is not the first tablet aimed at the children’s market, but it could appeal to parents who don’t want to share their own tablets with their offspring, analysts say. Announcement of the new tablet came as the market for the touch-screen mobile computers is heating up with the launch of four new devices from web retailer Amazon last week, and the expected introduction of tablets running Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system before the start of the holiday shopping season. Apple’s iPad still dominates US tablet sales, but is coming under increased pressure from Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets, as well as Google’s Nexus. Apple has a launch event scheduled for Wednesday where it is widely expected to announce a new iPhone and possibly a new tablet with a 7-inch screen