N EW YORK (Reuters) - LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. announced the launch of

its FLY "pentop computer," a talking, computerized pen that can translate

words into other languages, or help with math and spelling homework.
LeapFrog said the product will give users audio feedback as they write and

draw on special FLY paper.

For instance, the company said a user can draw a calculator, touch the

handwritten digits and functions to perform an operation, and then hear the

answers announced.

LeapFrog said a group of children aged 8 to 13 helped to develop the product,

and it will offer a range of applications for learning, communicating and playing.

Emeryville, California-based LeapFrog has been plagued by weak sales and

earnings misses, and recently said it relied too heavily on its LeapPad business.

The past year has hurt investor confidence in the company and it has made

sweeping changes to its management team.
LeapFrog had been a Wall Street star since its 2002 initial public offering, but a

string of dismal reports from the company hurt its credibility with investors, and

its shares have taken a beating since October.

LeapPad is a junior-sized laptop system that holds interactive workbooks that

teach skills like reading and math. The company makes educational toys for

children from infants to high school students, but its focus has been on younger

children. The company has said it wants to expand its product lines for older

children and develop learning aids for adults.From here