DoubleScoop: App Review

Recently I was asked to try out DoubleScoop, an app that helps kids and grandparents connect. Let me say this right off the bat: I’m not an app fiend. I don’t get giddy over introducing the latest gadgets, gizmos, and games to my kid. It’s not that I’m tech averse; I’m just old school and slightly guilt ridden about exposing my daughter to too much technology. I can’t help but wonder what all of that screen time might be doing to her cute little growing brain.

Despite all this, I signed us up for DoubleScoop because, hey, who doesn’t want a kid to share some love with the grandparents in a safe online environment? We’ve been using it for the last week and – I have to admit – this app is cool. Here’s why.

It’s easy

I downloaded DoubleScoop onto my iPad, and my in-laws downloaded it onto their laptop, a process that took a bit longer and seemed a little more complicated on their end. Once that was done, I set up an account for my little one, and soon she was off, recording messages, drawing pictures, and even taking snapshots that she was easily able to send directly to Grandma and Grandpa. Soon after, the grandparents started doing the same. They now have a direct way of communicating with each other that doesn’t involve mom and dad in the middle.

It’s simple and safe

The interface is simple for the most part, and I like how they lay out the features they currently offer. The drawing option is probably my favorite. I love all of the adorable pictures that the grandparents and my daughter are doodling and sending to each other. I also like how, at least at this point, there are no ads or outside weirdness. It’s just two adoring grandparents doting on their grandchild’s creations and vice versa.

This app does have a kink or two that I hope they work out. The first is with new messages. A little bell rings when something new arrives, but we have a hard time figuring out who it’s from and where it’s located. When you add other family members into the mix, as we did with our daughter’s aunt, it becomes even more confusing. Since we’re all familiar with Facebook, I expected that same ease of use on DoubleScoop, but the app is not quite there yet. I also can’t help but yearn for a Skype-like feature so they can see each other, as well as a way to print out all of their drawings and messages.

All in all, this is definitely an app you’ll want to try. It’s fun, it’s safe, and having the kids connect with extended family without us always looking over their shoulders is pretty fantastic.

Want to try it out? Here’s the link.