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Netflix makes 'Just for Kids' iPad friendly

Video rental service rolls out a mobile application for a popular feature. App makers, by the way, say that teaching and entertainment apps for kids are a way to get parents to spend.

Greg Sandoval Former Staff writer
Greg Sandoval covers media and digital entertainment for CNET News. Based in New York, Sandoval is a former reporter for The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. E-mail Greg, or follow him on Twitter at @sandoCNET.
Greg Sandoval
Netflix

The name of the game this morning seems to be kids.

First, Netflix started the day off by announcing that the "Just for Kids" feature available at the video streaming service is now offered as a mobile app on the iPad.

Bjorn Jeffrey, Toca Boca CEO Greg Sandoval/CNET

The way it works is a child can click on the "Just for Kids" tab in the new iPad app and "find their favorite shows and movies by swiping through a row of their favorite characters, many of which they will instantly recognize." Netflix said the app is available on the iPad 2 and new iPad and will soon work on the original iPad and on Android devices.

Also, CNET's Roger Cheng published a feature story this morning about the brother duo that started JibJab and released the hilarious parody video back in 2004 called "This Land is Your Land." Evan and Gregg Spiridellis are now working on StoryBots, a venture that creates videos and apps designed to help kids learn while having fun.

The Spiridellis brothers have likely discovered what Bjorn Jeffery, CEO of Toca Boca, a maker of "digital toys" and children's learning games, told me recently.

One of the largest hurdles that confront app makers nowadays is getting people to pay. Parents, however, are more likely to reach for their wallets if the apps help entertain or make learning fun for their children.

To back up his claim, Jeffrey noted that Toca Boca is profitable.