Samsung has recently unveiled an innovative feature for its Galaxy Watch 7, transforming it into a kid-friendly smartwatch. This new mode, known as the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience, caters to parents looking to provide their children with a safe and engaging wearable device.
The functionality allows parents to customize the Galaxy Watch 7 by enabling location sharing and a Do Not Disturb mode, essential for ensuring children focus during homework or school hours. Developed in collaboration with Google, the feature utilizes the Google Family Link app to set up necessary parameters and restrictions.
Notably, this feature is exclusively compatible with the LTE version of the Galaxy Watch 7. Once connected to an adult’s smartphone and activated with a SIM card, the smartwatch operates independently without the need for constant smartphone pairing.
In addition to essential functions like location sharing and Do Not Disturb, the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience offers the ability to manage contacts that can be called or messaged. Moreover, children can send an SOS message to pre-approved contacts by simply pressing the side button on the Watch 7 five times.
Samsung has also introduced new watch faces and straps to add a touch of fun and personalization to the smartwatch. With access to over 20 ‘teacher-approved’ apps and watch faces featuring popular themes like Marvel, Barbie, and Crayola, the Galaxy Watch 7 provides an engaging and interactive experience for young users.
Furthermore, parental control is emphasized, as any apps beyond the approved list require parental consent for download. This ensures a safe and secure digital environment for children using the Galaxy Watch 7.
The rollout of the new Galaxy Watch for Kids experience has commenced in the US, with compatible LTE models of the Galaxy Watch 7 now available from Samsung, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. This initiative follows Apple’s Family Setup feature introduced with watchOS 7 in 2020, later rebranded as Apple Watch For Your Kids.
While the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience is a significant step towards providing a tailored smartwatch for children, it is currently limited to the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE models. The absence of this feature on the more budget-friendly Galaxy Watch FE is notable, primarily due to the LTE connectivity required for certain functionalities.
Nevertheless, this development offers Android phone users the opportunity to opt for a reputable smartwatch option from Samsung, catering to the needs of their children. As Samsung continues to enhance its offerings, the prospect of a dedicated smartwatch for kids may be on the horizon. In the meantime, families seeking alternative options can explore the best Fitbits for Kids in the market.
In conclusion, Samsung’s initiative to transform the Galaxy Watch 7 into a kids smartwatch underscores the company’s commitment to providing innovative and personalized solutions for users of all ages. With a focus on safety, functionality, and entertainment, the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience sets a new standard for smartwatches in the youth market.