LeapFrog is an educational toy company and one of the innovators of technology-based learning tools for young children. The company was founded in 1995, and it has produced several different products since its inception. The LeapPad, LeapFrog's flagship product, was a handheld interactive pad in which books were inserted. Current products include the ClickStart, a personal computer system for preschool-age children, and the Fly Pentop Computer. For older children, LeapFrog produces the iQuest, an interactive PDA that produces trivia questions and study material.
Video Tech, or VTech, is another technology-based children's toy company. VTech is a Hong Kong-based electronics company that began producing educational electronics after its decline in the personal computer market. VTech produces an educational video game console called the V.Smile, which uses ROM cartridges and hooks up to a television screen. The games usually feature title characters of popular children's television shows and was marketed for children between the ages of 3 and 9. The V.Smile Pocket is a handheld version of the gaming console.
A number of children's educational games are marketed for the PC and video game consoles. Nintendo produces several children's title character games for the DS and the Wii. Classic PC games such as Math Blaster or Number Cruncher were among the first to electronically teach the basics of addition and subtraction. Nintendo produces both academic and simulation-type games.
Adult education games are generally focused from adolescence onward. Nintendo produces games like "Big Brain Academy" and "Brain Age," which are designed for overall cognitive improvement. PC simulation and strategy games are also popular for adult learners. There are several different flight and combat simulators available, as well as those tailored to developing life and business skills. Rosetta Stone, a language learning software, implements a mini-game interface for some activities.