Kids do not have a lot of responsibilities, therefore it’s difficult to teach a child how to manage their time. However, it’s never too early to teach your kids the importance of routine, something which is about to become infinitely easier. Kids’ smartwatch maker Joy has unveiled a wrist worn wearable for kids that might just make parents feel less like they’re nagging.
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The device is a smartwatch called Octopus, which sends alerts to users when it’s time to brush their teeth, leave for school, do that homework, take a bath, and more using an Android or iOS app managed by parents. The watch connects to a parent’s phone via Bluetooth so they can program tasks and get notified when kids stay on schedule. In theory, this means parents won’t have to nag their kids so much, because it teaches them to manage their own time.
Joy CEO Sam Hickman told Tom’s Guide that the device can help kids gain independence even when they’re adhering to schedules made out by their parents. And, thanks to new partnerships, the smartwatches will be adorned with favorite Disney, Marvel and Nickelodeon characters as well.
For $49 dollars more, kids can get a charging station that doubles as a night light. While, the Octopus is aimed at kids age 3 and up, CEO Hickman says it could be especially helpful for kids with autism and ADHD.
Some adults have expressed interest in buying the Octopus watch as well.
Octopus uses colorful icons to help kids tell time and keep kids on schedule with visual reminders. Once a task is completed, the kid can check it off. The watch connects to a parent’s phone via Bluetooth so they can program tasks and get notified when kids stay on schedule. In theory, this means parents won’t have to nag their kids so much, because it teaches them to manage their own time.
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The watch is also a great emergency tool: it holds up to five lines of important information, including phone numbers, blood type, and allergies. The band is even hypoallergenic so you won’t have to worry about it irritating your child’s wrist, and it’s swappable in case the band ever gets dirty (which it will). It’s no surprise the Octopus Kids Habit Tracking Watch was a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree because it simplifies one of the hardest parts of parenting, reports Mashable.
Octopus is made for ages 3-8, with three modes as your kid develops.
The Octopus is available on Kickstarter for $59.
Here are specs
- Weight (watch+bracelet): 0.75 oz (21 grams)
- Battery life: 2 to 5 days depending on usage
- Charging duration: 20 min = 65%, 45 min = 85%, 1h20 = 100%
- Hypoallergenic and swappable watchband
Octopus Watch is not
- It’s not a step tracker
- The screen is not a touch screen
- It’s not waterproof (it’s water resistant)
- It doesn’t emit sounds
- It’s not a GPS tracker nor a phone
