Cayla uses an app on an iOS or Android smart device. When Cayla is connected online via the smart device, she can understand speech by sending it to the internet as text.

To enjoy Cayla's interactive capabilities, she must always be connected to a smart device via Bluetooth wireless technology. To answer general knowledge questions or give current information, connect the smart device to the internet. The speed of Cayla's responses will depend on the strength and speed of the internet connection, so WiFi is recommended, although she can also work with 3G or 4G. There is a lot which Cayla can do without being connected to the internet, such as playing games, telling stories, talking about her photo albums, and some conversation.

My Friend Cayla is safer than simply handing a tablet to a child for a number of reasons: there is a comprehensive in-built list of pre-blocked words which can be added to at home; it features online safe-search filters; and no websites or links will be shown on the smart device.