(Image Source: Toys "R" Us)

 

BY ADAM FALK AND ERIK SHUTE

 

Another tablet challenger appears. Hot on the heels of Amazon’s updated Fire announcement Toys “R” Us introduces an even cheaper tablet.

 

Big difference, this 7-inch tab is for kids. It’s called Tabeo. Inside, it’s pretty standard. There’s 4GB of storage, a front-facing camera, HDMI port for tablet-to-tv connection and it’s Wi-Fi only. No 3G here.   (IMAGE: TOYS "R" US)

 

So why is Toys “R” jumping itno the tablet industry? Put simply, kids are notorious for stealing their parents stuff.  This is a way for children to have their own device, surf the web and only use a certain number of kid-friendly curated apps.

 

Tabeo will reportedly come with 50 preloaded books, educational apps and games, including Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. It will retail for $149.99.  (VIDEO: ROVIO)

 

The Wall Street Journal’s Ann Zimmerman  explains — Toys R Us’ competition is already adjusting its own prices.

 

“Toys R Us came in at what they thought was a very reasonable price -- $149.99 and there are three others on the market.  And even before the announcement others must have caught wind and their competitors dropped their prices to $149..."

 

Not that the competition had much of a choice, though.  Mashable points out  this is a bold move for Toys “R” Us, who already has vendors with tablets on its shelves.

 

“[Toys ‘R’ Us]’s gambit does include some risk, though. Vendor partners who already sell tablet devices on TRU’s shelves may be peeved by the retailer’s entry into its business.”

 

Still, is this really the cost-effective way to go?  CNET’s Lance Whitney explains  his 5-year-old nephew games and browses just fine on the Kindle Fire.

 

“For parents looking to save some money, sharing the family tablet seems a more budget-conscious way to go. But there does seem to be a thriving market for certain dedicated child-friendly and educational devices.”

 

It’s available for preorder now and will hit shelves October 21 -- just in time for the holiday season.

Transcript by Newsy.