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Google releases smart watch for kids

store.google.com

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Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#131

Post by m3kw9 »

gnicholas wrote: post #59

What's the benefit of this over a cheap LTE Apple Watch? I'm not an AW fanboy (Pebble/Garmin for me), but I had always anticipated getting my kid an LTE AW when the time came. It doesn't look like the pricing is much different, and for families with iPhones it would presumably be simpler to stay in the Apple ecosystem. Is there something I'm missing, or is this just for Android families? Regardless, I'm happy to see…

It’s an Android watch rebranded as kids version, add some restriction features. Apple has all of that already

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#132

Post by stavros »

alooPotato wrote: post #117

This reminds me of an idea I've been noodling on for a bit about my kids. I want them to be able to take more risks and be more independent - but counterintuitively, I think this means putting them in a safer environment. For example, I'd be waaaay more comfortable letting my young kids (6yrs old) roam around outside the house if will lived in a safe suburb rather than a city. I think the same is true for this type o…

But that's not taking more risks, that's taking the same amount of risks, just doing more with it.

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#134

Post by enragedcacti »

canucker2016 wrote: post #102

Under Tech Specs, https://store.google.com/us/product/fitbit_ace_lte_specs?hl=... : "Tap to Pay (NFC)4(Coming soon)" What? Why would my kid need Tap to Pay? That's just setting the user/Google up for a horror story where the watch wearer goes overboard on spending for some lame game with in-app payments... Or are they expecting adults to use this as well?

If you read the the "4" footnote included in your copied section...

> Requires compatible payment card and internet access. Payment cards for supervised users may require a separate paid membership (not included with Fitbit Ace Pass). Payment card memberships or parents may restrict purchases of certain products or from certain retailers. Supports Tap to Pay only.

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#136

Post by reaperducer »

Someone1234 wrote: post #74
philomath_mn wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A minor is going to get a phone plan w/o a guardian signing for it? And use it in my house without me knowing? There is a lot my kid is going to do under my nose, getting a smartphone doesn't seem too likely (esp. if he has alternatives like a desktop).

> A minor is going to get a phone plan w/o a guardian signing for it? In the US at least, it is trivial to get a phone plan without being 18 or having an adult sign for it. There is no credit check nor identity check. Just walk into any Walmart and pick up any one of a dozen prepaid kits. These plans require you to bring your own devices, but you can get a used/unbranded smartphone for under $100 and a plan with data…

you can get a used/unbranded smartphone for under $100

I got one at the bodega on the corner for $20. The owner wanted $35, but when I told him I'd pay cash, he took the twenty.

It was in packaging from some carrier in Mexico, but wasn't SIM locked. No problems for the last year.

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#137

Post by canucker2016 »

mustang-med wrote: post #121

My partner is on one of the teams responsible for red tape and cost-cutting at Alphabet. After having frequent conversations about past failed projects, I'm surprised this project got the green light. Personally, I don't see this product taking off. As a parent, I think it looks quite lame, and I don't think anyone at Google knows how to break into product areas for kids. I've seen quite a few headlines concerned abo…

Just based on the UI, I can see the user age range being limited to 7-11/12 year olds.

Teens won't want this on their wrist in high school.

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#138

Post by NullPrefix »

wepple wrote: post #120
hn_throwaway_99 wrote: post #106

Ugh, I threw up a little in my mouth just from the headline. This constant tracking of kids is unnecessary and dangerous. Generations of kids survived without their parents needing to know their location at all times. And yes, I totally admit, some kids (very few actually depending on the locale) didn't survive. But we've traded this false sense of "safety" for kids that are so risk averse it is seriously negatively…

> Generations of kids survived without their parents needing to know their location at all times. And cars used to be safe even without seatbelts! It turns out times change. Before you think I’m disagreeing with the entirety of your comment, my own kids are the most free-range in-the-dirt kids I know. But it’s location-dependent. I trust cities and their people far less than wild animals.

>And cars used to be safe even without seatbelts!

Me and a lot of people wear them purely out of fear of being robbed by the state

Re: Google releases smart watch for kids

#139

Post by citizenkeen »

sillysaurusx wrote: post #107
philomath_mn wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agree, won't be easy -- he already has many peers with phones. But we have a lot of rules like that (e.g. no unsupervised YouTube use, wear helmets on the bike, etc) and he lives an otherwise well-provisioned life -- I think we'll work something out.

I’m amazed no one is pushing back on this. I respect your decision as a parent — it’s your decision — but not letting them have a phone until 16 or privacy in their YouTube sounds miserable for them. I would be, but everyone is different I suppose. In contrast, I was watching gore videos by the time I was 13. I think I turned out ok. We’ll see if it’s survivorship bias, but personally, I plan to give our daughter Kes…

The sooner my kid learns someone is always watching, the better.
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