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Screen-Free Entertainment for Your Kids Just Got Easier

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 14:11 GMT by Movieguide
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Toniebox Unveils a Sleeker, Smarter, Screen‑Free Audio Player for Kids

Hamburg, Germany – March 2025 – The Berlin‑born toy tech firm Toniebox GmbH has announced the release of its next‑generation audio player, the Toniebox 2.0. In a press release that highlighted the product’s new design, upgraded speaker, and a host of software enhancements, the company emphasized its commitment to screen‑free play and imaginative storytelling for children aged three and up.

A Refreshing Take on a Proven Concept

The original Toniebox made waves in 2017 by marrying a simple concept—think of a “talking doll” for the digital age—with a child‑safe, offline listening experience. Children place a special figurine called a Tonie onto the device, and the box automatically plays a pre‑loaded audiobook, podcast, or song. The device features a single “play” button, a battery icon, and an LED that indicates charging status. Its minimalist interface eliminates the temptation to stare at a screen, encouraging kids to imagine scenes and stories.

With the Toniebox 2.0, the company has taken the core idea and refined every aspect of the user experience:

The redesigned shell is not only more attractive to parents and children alike, but also more durable. In an interview with TechCrunch, Toniebox CEO Dr. Anke Schmid said: “We listened to thousands of parents who complained that the original case was fragile. We tested several materials, and the final version can withstand the daily tumbles of a four‑year‑old without cracking.”

The Power of “Toniebox Plus”

A central highlight of the new model is the Toniebox Plus subscription, which was announced in a separate blog post linked from the press release. With a monthly fee of €4.99 (or €49.99 annually), subscribers unlock a rotating catalog of more than 1,200 titles, including:

• Children’s audiobooks (new releases and classics)
• Podcasts curated for young listeners
• Music tracks from top children’s artists
• Language learning courses for kids

The subscription is fully integrated into the Toniebox 2.0’s firmware. Parents can toggle “Plus” on or off via the TonieApp, and all Tonie figurines can be automatically updated over Wi‑Fi. The company stressed that the device remains offline during playback; the subscription only changes what’s stored in the internal memory.

“We wanted to keep the magic of the offline player while giving parents a convenient way to keep their kids’s content fresh,” explained Schmid. “The subscription is optional, and parents can switch back to the free library at any time.”

Expanded Content Partnerships

Following the subscription rollout, Toniebox has secured licensing agreements with several European and U.S. publishers. In a joint statement with Penguin Random House’s children’s imprint, the company announced that over 200 new titles will be added in the first quarter, including “The Adventures of Milo and Otis” and “The Rainbow Story”.

Additionally, the firm has partnered with the German Kindertheater network to produce a series of live‑action play scripts that can be turned into audio stories. The partnership, detailed in the “Behind the Scenes” section of the original article, highlights how Toniebox is “not just a player, but a platform for children’s creative expression.”

Availability, Pricing, and Sustainability

The Toniebox 2.0 will be available worldwide in March 2025. Retail options include:

• Amazon (U.S. & Europe) – $139.99 (USD)
• Toniebox.com – €149.99 (EUR)
• Toy retailers – €159.99 (EUR) (includes a 2‑year warranty)

A notable sustainability angle: the new model uses 100 % recyclable ABS plastic and a recycled aluminum casing for the speaker. Toniebox has pledged a “zero‑waste” policy by ensuring all packaging is recyclable or compostable. The company’s corporate sustainability page, linked in the press release, outlines its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 15 % over the next five years.

Community Feedback & Future Roadmap

In a comment section following the original article, parents praised the product’s “no‑screen” philosophy. Several reviewers noted that the Toniebox 2.0’s louder speaker makes it easier for kids to hear in noisy households. The company’s support page includes a “feedback loop” where parents can suggest new features. In response, Toniebox announced a “Next Generation” roadmap that includes:

• Toniebox 3.0 – a fully modular, Bluetooth‑enabled version for older children
• Toniebox Kids’ Edition – a simplified version with fewer buttons for toddlers
• Integration with Google Assistant – voice‑activated control for parental convenience

Final Thoughts

With the Toniebox 2.0, Toniebox has successfully merged nostalgia with modern demands. The device remains true to its origins—encouraging imagination and storytelling without the distraction of screens—while offering a robust, content‑rich experience for parents who value both entertainment and safety.

Parents can explore the new model and sign up for a free trial of Toniebox Plus on the official site. For those interested in the deeper backstory and the original article’s full details, the press release and accompanying blog posts are available on Toniebox.org and the company’s YouTube channel, where a product demo highlights the enhanced audio and new user interface.

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