🆕New Kids Coding and Tech Toys and Kits for 2023

What's new in kids coding and tech toys for 2023? Maybe you want to make sure that you're buying a gift that the child or teen doesn't already have, or maybe you just want to be among the first to get your hands on new kid tech. At Tech Age Kids we focus on technology that encourages kids to make with technology  not just be passive consumers. We also look at products that enable kids to gain an understanding of the latest technologies in a safe and age appropriate way. Our round up includes some cool new hardware as well as a new app from the creators of Scratch (the app if free but kids will need access to a mobile device to use it with.)

• The Learning Resources Space Rover Deluxe Coding Activity Set (age 4+) is a space themed programmable robot which adds another option to a popular range of themed coding robots. It builds on the popular Code and Go Mouse range but the robot is a space rover and kids have to code their way through lunar adventures. You get loads of accessories in this set and there are 20 coding challenges for kids to program the rover to solve. We like that this ties in with the real scenario of programming a space rover.
  
  
• The Miko mini (age 5+) is a mini and less expensive version of the AI-powered Miko robot. This version is more affordable and still has a range of AI features. AI is a conversational robot which uses voice to communicate with a child. Miko is positioned as an educational robot that teaches kids various topics using AI and with a focus on safety. The Miko Mini provides a way for kids to interact with the latest AI chat technology.
  
  
• OctoStudio is a new app from the creators of the popular Scratch coding platform for kids. OctoStudio has been developed to run on mobile devices and turns a phone into a portable coding device. It's great for kids age 7 up and allows them to use block-based coding to write apps that make use of the sensors on a phone. The app itself is free. Kids will need access to a mobile phone to run it, an hand-me-down phone or older model should be just fine. Just make sure it has a compass feature (magnetometer) so you can make use of the neat magnet detection block. 
  
  
• The Loti-Bot (age 7+) is a new programmable floor robot from TTS, makers of the popular Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot. Loti-Bot is designed for age 7+ and has a great app and has a pen holder for precise drawing. Loti-Bot has been designed for use in educational settings but is also a great option for home enthusiasts as well as home educators. We've written a more detailed write up of the features of Loti-Bot.
  
  
• The PYXEL Coding Pet  (age 8+) is a programmable pet robot from the Educational Insights brand. PYXEL is aimed at kids aged 8 and up and can be programmed with either block-based drag and drop coding or the Python text-based language which is popular in industry. PYXEL charges via USB-C which is really convenient. Educational Insights have a lot of experience in developing educational toys so it's great to see them expanding their range for older kids this year.
  
  
• The Meta Quest 3 (age 10+) is the latest version of the VR headset range. As well as releasing a new device this year, Meta have reduced the age rating from 13 to 10 which opens up the device to tweens. We're pretty impressed with the update. The new XR features which allow mixed reality in colour are pretty neat and there are new titles like LEGO Bricktales to make use of this feature. There are also ways for kids to code on or for the Meta Quest 3. You can use Scratch in the built-in web browser to create 2D projects and you can use A-frame to create 3D worlds that you can view in 3D from the web browser. Read our Meta Quest 3 hands-on review. 
  
  
• The Chibitronics animating LED stickers (age 12+) are a new range of animated LEDs for use electronics craft activities. Chibitronics make fab electronics for use in paper circuits. In 2023 they have added this new range with white animated LEDs, red/white fade heart LEDs and lovely rainbow star LEDs. We're suckers for colored lights and having new options from a trusted brand is brilliant.
  

Summary

There's quite a range of new products on the market this year for kids to learn about coding, electronics or get hands-on with the latest AI and VR/XR technology. There are also new products for a range of ages from preschoolers though to older kids and teens. And we've really enjoyed the new release of OctoStudio from the creators of the popular Scratch coding platform for kids. Definitely one to watch! You might also want to check our our overview of the new Amazon Kids devices for 2023.