The Pinwheel Watch, a new smartwatch designed for children aged 7-14, was unveiled at CES 2025. This device, from the makers of kid-friendly smartphones, offers a compelling blend of modern smartwatch features and robust parental controls. Set to launch in Q1 2025, the Pinwheel Watch aims to provide a safe and engaging tech experience for kids.
Pinwheel Smartwatch in hand with the camera
Impressive Hardware and Design
The Pinwheel Watch looks and feels like a contemporary smartwatch, a refreshing departure from the often clunky designs of children’s wearables. It’s surprisingly lightweight, comfortable for smaller wrists, and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and splash resistance. Customizable straps add a personalized touch. The overall build quality appears durable and well-considered.
PinwheelGPT: AI-Powered Learning and Safety
A standout feature is PinwheelGPT, a voice- and text-based AI chatbot designed specifically for young users. This chatbot facilitates conversations on a wide range of topics, while ensuring responses are age-appropriate and safe. Pinwheel’s CEO, Dane Witbeck, explains that the AI avoids controversial subjects like religion, politics, and sexuality, instead prompting children to discuss such topics with a trusted adult.
PinwheelGPT parent portal on the smartphone
Comprehensive Parental Controls for Peace of Mind
Parental control is a central design element of the Pinwheel Watch. A dedicated dashboard allows parents to monitor all interactions between their child and the PinwheelGPT chatbot. This provides valuable insights into a child’s interests and concerns without requiring parents to sift through lengthy text exchanges. The watch restricts access to the open web and social media, limiting communication to parent-approved contacts. As children mature and demonstrate responsible usage, parents can gradually adjust these permissions via the parent portal.
Enhanced Safety Features and Location Tracking
Pinwheel Smartwatch on a table
Beyond communication controls, the Pinwheel Watch includes GPS tracking and geofencing. Parents can monitor their child’s location and set up safe zones, receiving notifications if the child leaves designated areas. This is particularly helpful for families with shared custody arrangements. The watch also incorporates fitness tracking features such as step counting and activity monitoring.
Dual Cameras and Standalone Functionality
The Pinwheel Watch features two cameras for taking photos, mirroring the way children often see adults using similar devices. Parents can disable this feature if desired. While video calling is not available at launch, it’s planned for a future update.
Pinwheel Watch alternative camera
Standalone Connectivity and Affordability
A key advantage is the watch’s standalone functionality. Unlike many smartwatches requiring a paired smartphone, the Pinwheel Watch operates on a 4G LTE network with its own phone number. This enables children to make calls and send texts independently. The watch is priced at $160 with a monthly cellular plan of approximately $15.
A Smart Solution for Digital Parenting
The Pinwheel Watch strives to simplify the challenges of digital parenting by offering tools that encourage safe technological exploration. By combining innovative features with robust safety measures, it represents a notable advancement in kid-friendly technology, addressing parental concerns while providing children with a device that adapts to their growing needs.
The Pinwheel Watch is available for pre-order, and you can join the wait list now.
