Crayola iMarker is a digital stylus that works with certain drawing and coloring apps to bring coloring pages to life. With the iMarker, kids can color in digital coloring books and see their creations come to life with animations and sound effects. The magic of the iMarker lies in its ability to interact with special augmented reality apps.
How the Crayola iMarker Works
The Crayola iMarker is a smart stylus that connects via Bluetooth to compatible mobile apps. It works similarly to an active digital pen for drawing tablets or touchscreen devices. There are no batteries, wires, or WiFi needed. The iMarker has a fine tip stylus on one end for coloring and a rubber erase tip on the other end. There is also a button near the tip to interact with animations.
Built into the iMarker is advanced technology that senses the unique dot patterns printed within special coloring pages. As a child colors over these patterns, the iMarker transmits the pen strokes to the app in real-time. The app then brings the coloring page to life with interactive animations, music, and other effects.
For example, when a child colors a page with animals, the animals may start walking around, making sounds, or talking. Flowers may start to bloom, snowmen can begin throwing snowballs, and undersea scenes may have fish swimming around. The iMarker integrates physical coloring with digital play for an engaging creativity experience.
Compatible Apps for the Crayola iMarker
The Crayola iMarker was designed to work with certain apps that have been created or updated with iMarker integration. Here are some of the top apps that work with the iMarker:
Crayola Color Alive
This is Crayola’s flagship app designed specifically for the iMarker. It comes with a pack of Color Alive coloring pages that come to life with the iMarker. The app has a variety of themed coloring packs available as in-app purchases, including princesses, cars & trucks, animals, and more. As kids color, the drawings are animated with integrated AR technology.
Boulevard AR Artist
Boulevard AR Artist turns the iMarker into a magical brush for painting and drawing. Kids can choose from different brushes and colors to paint on various digital canvases. Finished artwork springs to life with interactive animations. The app encourages creativity and freeform expression beyond structured coloring pages.
Crayola Create & Play
This creativity app by Crayola combines drawing, coloring, and crafting. The iMarker can be used to digitally color and customize templates for over 50 craft projects, like cards, banners, mix-and-match posters, and more. Finished creations can be personalized with text, stickers, filters, and animations before sharing.
Lego Color
For Lego fans, the Lego Color app unlocks digital interactivity when coloring Lego brick pages. Kids can bring their colored Lego models to life with animations, music, and brick-building sounds. The app provides 3D movement and special effects not possible on paper.
Coloring Fun – Paint Pop
Paint Pop is a creative coloring app that includes iMarker support. Kids can use the iMarker to color exercises, dot-to-dots, and fun coloring pages. Finished artwork springs to life with animations and sound effects. The app includes 8 free coloring pages with more available as in-app purchases.
Benefits of the Crayola iMarker
Here are some of the educational benefits and features of the Crayola iMarker:
- Encourages creativity and self-expression through digital coloring activities.
- Enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Teaches color and shape recognition.
- Brings static coloring pages to life with animations and sound.
- Interactive experience improves engagement and inspires kids to color more.
- Digital features like undo and erase allow for mess-free coloring.
- App-based activities help reinforce learning through play.
- Share button allows finished coloring creations to be saved and shared.
Choosing the Right App
With a variety of apps available, how do you choose the right Crayola iMarker app for your child? Consider these tips:
- Age range – Check the app store description for recommended ages. Apps range from toddler to elementary school ages.
- Interests – Select apps that feature your child’s favorite themes, characters, or animals.
- Creativity – Some apps focus just on coloring while others include drawing, crafting, or painting.
- Education – Look for apps that reinforce ABCs, counting, shapes, and other early learning skills.
- Reviews – Read parent reviews to learn what real kids and families think about an app.
- Price – Some apps provide free coloring pages while others require in-app purchases.
Try downloading a couple free apps to test out. See which app features and activities engage your child the most. Expand your selection over time as your child’s interests and abilities grow.
Tips for Using the Crayola iMarker
Here are some handy tips for getting started with the Crayola iMarker and using it effectively:
- Fully charge the iMarker before first use. This can take up to 6 hours. Plug into a USB port or USB wall adapter.
- Download compatible apps and print out associated coloring pages, or purchase pre-printed books.
- Pair the iMarker with your device through the app’s Bluetooth settings.
- Optimize performance by placing pages on a flat, hard surface when coloring.
- Only use the iMarker on supported pages for automatic object recognition and effects.
- Clear away excess hand oils by gently wiping the iMarker tip to keep it working smoothly.
- Turn off Bluetooth in the app when not in use to conserve battery.
- Consider purchasing multiple iMarkers for coloring alongside friends or siblings!
With a bit of experimentation, your child will be coloring and creating with digital effects in no time! Adjust digital features like sound and animation volume based on your child’s sensory preferences.
Troubleshooting Issues
Like any technology, the Crayola iMarker may occasionally encounter glitches or issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips if you experience problems:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| iMarker not connecting to app via Bluetooth |
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| Colors not registering correctly |
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| Animations not triggering |
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If issues persist, you may need to contact Crayola customer support for troubleshooting help or warranty service.
Crayola iMarker Design
The Crayola iMarker features a smart yet intuitive design:
- Lightweight plastic casing is easy for small hands to grip
- Tapered shape with coloring tip and erase tip at each end
- Integrated button to interact with app animations
- Colorful branding and icons indicate each end’s function
- Does not require batteries or charging cradle
- Rechargeable via included USB cable
- Compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and higher
The iMarker uses advanced technology in a playful package:
- Infrared camera in tip senses dot patterns on pages
- Bluetooth smart chip enables app connectivity
- High precision tip lays down consistent, accurate strokes
- Sophisticated algorithms analyze pen input
- Real-time data transfer brings coloring to life
Despite the digital capabilities, the iMarker retains a classic, recognizable profile kids expect from Crayola.
Crayola iMarker Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | iOS (iPad, iPhone), Android tablets and smartphones, Kindle Fire |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours active use |
| Recharge Time | 6 hours |
| Operating Range | 10 meters / 33 feet |
| Dimensions | Length 6.4 inches, Diameter 0.87 inches |
| Weight | 0.95 ounces |
| Warranty | 90 day limited warranty from Crayola |
Where to Buy the Crayola iMarker
The Crayola iMarker is sold at major retailers that carry Crayola products, both in stores and online. Here are some of the best places to buy an authentic iMarker:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Crayola online store
Prices range from $29.99 to $39.99 for an individual iMarker stylus. There are also bundles that include the iMarker along with coloring pages, stickers, and other accessories for a complete coloring kit.
Be sure to verify items are sold and shipped by authorized Crayola retailers. Check customer reviews and avoid pricing that seems too good to be true, as low cost knock-offs are common.
Crayola iMarker vs. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets
Both Crayola iMarker and Scribble Scrubbie Pets allow kids to combine digital play with coloring toy sets. But there are some key differences:
| Crayola iMarker | Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets |
|---|---|
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The iMarker is ideal for blending digital play into coloring books and apps. Scribble Scrubbies provide tactile toy pets kids can color repeatedly with washable markers. Both give coloring an interactive twist kids love.
The Future of the Crayola iMarker
Crayola first launched the iMarker in 2015, with new version releases improving functionality. We can expect to see Crayola continue innovating in the digital coloring space with the iMarker line.
Potential futute advancements may include:
- Expanded app ecosystem with more partner integrations
- Support for 3D object and facial recognition
- Collaboration features for coloring with friends in real-time
- Apple Pencil support for iPad coloring compatibility
- Even more realistic animations and sound effects
- Educational content tailored to emerging STEAM skills
Digital toys like the iMarker make screen time more interactive and hands-on. Crayola will likely lead the way in finding new ways to blend analog play with virtual imaginative experiences.
Conclusion
The Crayola iMarker brings coloring books to life through the magic of digital technology. Special dot patterns in coloring pages allow the iMarker stylus to transform static images into animated, interactive scenes. Kids can enjoy immersive digital effects paired with old-fashioned coloring fun. Compatible drawing and coloring apps for iOS and Android devices make the iMarker an engaging gateway into AR creativity. As Crayola continues to innovate, the iMarker looks to provide an exciting digital coloring experience now and in the future.