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With Starling, parents can teach kids to speak earlier

The only problem is, this little gadget still needs to grow up.

David Priest
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
David Priest
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1 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The Starling by VersaMe is a gadget that clips onto your child's clothing and listens for how much verbal engagement they get.

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2 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Starling is a simple Bluetooth-connected device that survives for up to four days away from its base station per charge.

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3 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Starling comes with an assortment of attachments. You can use a clip for the child's clothes, or a circlet for your child's wrist once they're older.

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4 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The Starling app follows how many words you speak around the child per day. It also follows verbal engagement over time, so you can see longer-term trends.

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5 of 8 Screenshot by David Priest/CNET

The Starling app also sends daily tips if you enable notifications. These give helpful pointers for talking to young children.

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6 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Starling is drool- and waterproof, so when your child shoves the gadget in their mouth, it won't be the worse for wear. Plus, you can always just set it near your child to get a similar effect.

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7 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The Starling device itself is small enough to remain mostly unobtrusive.

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8 of 8 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Starling by VersaMe is available online for $200. Check out our full review to see whether we thought it was worth the price.

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