Tuesday, May 24, 2011

GeoPalz Launches Game Site To Promote Kids' Fitness

Looking to get kids out from in front of the computer, Boulder-based GeoPalz has launched a new, online game site which rewards kids for their physical activity. The startup--created by Rich and Sheri Schmelzer and Alexandra O'Leary, the creators of Jibbitz accessories for CROCs--said it is hoping to help parents provide a way to limit the time kids spend on the Internet, TV, and video games. GeoPalz allows kids to earn "Media Credits" to watch TV, video games, or access the Internet, based on the amount of steps they take while wearing a special GeoPalz Internet-connected pedometer. GeoPalz said, in addition to media access and devices in the home, it will be adding an API to allow third party websites to unlock products and credits on sites like iTunes, Facebook, Target, and REI.