As a parent, it may be scary to deliver a smart device to their tween when there are a myriad online risks. Pinwheel, a child -friendly technology company, is introducing a new solution for parents who want to stay connected to their children without calling them.
THE Pinwheel clock It is recently launched a smartwatch designed specifically for children aged 7 to 14, offering an alternative to children who prevent access to social media and the internet. It has parents management tools, GPS monitoring, camera, text voice messages, mini-fun fun and-here is a surprise-an AI Chatbot.
The smartwatch itself features an elegant black design and a screen that is slightly larger than an Apple watch. Currently available at $ 160, with a subscription of $ 15 monthly subscription. Became available for purchase Pinwheel.com Last week, and we have tried it in the last few days.
In addition to a more standardized set of parental controls, the feature of some parents may be cautious is the AI ​​assistant of the clock, “Pinwheelgpt”.
Pinwheelgpt is designed as a safer alternative to typical AI Chatbots, allowing children to ask questions about various issues, including daily descriptions, social interactions and work -related questions, the company claims.
However, parents may already be careful about AI Chatbots, as they can cause misinformation. Parents could also argue that the friendly nature of chatbots can lead to unhealthy motifs, where children are based on these digital partners for interaction instead of participating in face -to -face interactions with family and friends.
Our company explained that there are safeguards. AI is trained to identify issues that may be sensitive or inappropriate for children, choosing these conversations and encouraging children to discuss such issues with a credible adult. During our limited tests, we confirmed that Pinwheelgpt successfully avoids answering inappropriate or violent questions.
In addition, parents have complete visibility in all interactions with Chatbot, including both today’s and previously deleted talks, so that they can enter if red flags occur.
“We have not received any impetus from parents, because it is possible if it is about removing Pinwheelgpt by the clock or deactivating through your own checks,” said Founder Dane Witbeck, who is a father of four. “We do not use personal data provided by users, minors or adults in training AI models,” he noted.
Witbeck’s company started its first phone for children in 2020 and, four years later, occupied 212 in Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in America for 2024.
Entry into the Smartwatch market looks like a natural development, allowing the company to compete better with approximately 100 billion $ Smart Wearable Market against large brands such as Apple and Fitbit. Pinwheel believes he strategically places himself by focusing specifically on the category of children.
It also differs from other similar devices, such as Fitbit’s ACE LTE, which focuses more on monitoring position and health measurements.
In addition to AI mode, children and tweens can make calls and send texts to the clock using voice commands or keyboard. There is also a camera for video calls and selfies, along with a voice log application. Other applications include alarm, calendar, calculator and mini-games, such as a game-like game.
Parent monitoring features are available through the “Caregiver” application. This allows parents to create a “safelist” of contacts that their children are allowed to talk to, as well as reject certain phone numbers to be added to the list.
In addition, a timetable tab allows parents to create different ways to ensure that children remain from their devices at specific times, such as when they are at school or in the summer camp. For example, they may choose to limit contacts only to emergency numbers during the day and go to “all mode” later a day, allowing their children to access all freely.
If desired, parents have the option of tracking text messages, which could be particularly useful for those who have younger children. Here, a AI text feature offers parents summary reviews of children’s text messages.
The Pinwheel clock is now available in the US, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, with plans to expand soon to additional markets. It will be available at Amazon later this summer, although the company has not given a specific date.
