It looks like a cube with ears and has been enjoying increasing popularity since 2016: The Toniebox was developed to play radio plays as well as music. However, she doesn’t need any cassettes or CDs, just an internet connection. Once the device is connected to the network, it just needs to be put into operation. For this you need special toy figures, the so-called Tonies – they activate the desired song or radio play by simply placing them on the box. It sounds easy, and it is. How to set up the device is summarized in the following instructions.
When you hold a Toniebox in your hands for the first time, you may be surprised by the lack of an on/off switch. But don’t worry, the device is very easy to use – but first it needs to be charged: To do this, take the charging station provided, connect it to the power and then place the cube on it. As soon as the LED light lights up green, the Toniebox is fully charged (after around three hours) and can be used. If the battery is empty again, the LED display lights up orange. However, it is better if you only charge the device again when it contacts you on its own and asks for a power source. This means the battery lasts longer. And another tip: While the Toniebox is being charged, it can already be set up and activated.
Before you can actively use the Toniebox, the device must be activated. To do this, you must first register (free of charge) on the manufacturer’s website and create a personal account. Proceed as follows:
You will then receive an email with a confirmation link to activate your Toniecloud account. To do this you need a Tonie identification number, which is written on the bottom of your box. If your account has been successfully activated, you can set up and configure the Toniebox on the website (for example, the maximum volume and the acceleration sensor). You can also use the audio library and feed the creative tonies with new content.
Now it’s time to connect the Toniebox to the Internet – because unfortunately setting up the sound player doesn’t work without WiFi. It’s best to place the cube near your router so that it finds the signal more quickly. Once the box has connected to the WiFi, it doesn’t matter where you put it later to play it. Now log in to your account again (if you were logged out) and proceed as follows:
After you have activated your account and successfully set up the Toniebox, the listening fun can begin. In order for the cube to play the desired audio signal, you need a Tonie figure. Here you can choose between many different models: whether audio book classics like “Benjamin Blümchen” or “The Three Question Marks”, popular children’s books like “The Little Prince” or “Robber Hoztenplotz”, Disney favorites like “The Jungle Book” or “Bambi ” – the selection is huge. To get a radio play going, you (or your child) simply have to place the Tonie figure on the box. And the story begins. Once it’s over, the device switches itself off after ten minutes. Unless you put a new figure on it.
And another important note: Once the figure has been loaded onto the Toniebox via the WiFi connection, the stories can be listened to on the go (for example in the car) even without an internet connection.
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