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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle

Neo: The new smart watch for kids that gives them independence and lets you stay connected

Photograph: Vodafone

Neo is the new smart kids watch that gives children a sense of independence, while letting their parents or guardians stay in touch on every step of their adventure.

The latest gadget, designed and connected by Vodafone, is full of features to help children stay in connected – from calls and chats to viewing the device’s location updates from another phone.

With a camera, activity tracker and calendar, children can learn about the world around them and enjoy games with some of their favourite characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel.

(Vodafone)

Buy Now (£99), Vodafone.co.uk

Here’s a list of seven great features included on Neo…

Lots of ways to stay connected

You can stay in touch with your children while you’re apart with calls, chats and emojis. You can also view Neo’s location on a map from your phone and with parental controls you can personalise and monitor contacts.

Playing and learning

Neo is full of features to keep kids entertained. The activity tracker monitors step count and sets goals with encouragement from the child’s chosen watch sidekick (we’ll explain how this works later). It also has a camera installed.

Useful tools

The app’s calendar allows you to create events and set reminders for the days ahead, both of which can be viewed and received on Neo and your phone. Kids can check the local weather and use Neo’s calculator, too.

Disney content

Kids can personalise their watches by choosing their own sidekicks from a selection of characters: Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, Darth Vader, The Child and the Armoured Avenger. These buddies come to life in the watch to create a sense of fun and encouragement for children. Over time, Neo will be updated with new characters from across the Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel universe – at no extra charge – and kids can change their selected character whenever they like. Children can also take part in character-themed activities that play iconic sound effects when they start moving.

(Vodafone)

Safety

You can create your circle of trusted contacts and customise their permissions in the Vodafone Smart App so children can contact them, as well as you. The Quick Call feature lets kids make instant calls, and Neo will only be able to make calls to contacts you have invited. It can’t be used to browse the internet. Plus, you can set controls to help keep your children safe and manage their screen time.

It looks cool

Neo comes in two colours: Mint and Ocean. Its innovative ergonomic strap allows the face to be positioned straight or at an angle – making it comfortable to wear as well as easier to use. It’s also waterproof and its battery is designed to last up to 24 hours. Kids can also opt for a neutral experience that includes a character-free interface.

Children can explore with confidence

Neo is made smart by the built-in Vodafone Smart SIM that connects to Vodafone’s trusted global network. This means that, unlike most activity trackers, Neo can keep in touch with smartphones over long distances and be used in over 100 countries. Plus, Neo has been built with parental controls and can’t be used to browse the internet.

Buy Now (£99), Vodafone.co.uk

Terms & Conditions Apply: All communication between approved contacts only. Connectivity subscription required. Watch is not a tracker but approved contacts can view device location. Vodafone Smart SIM also known as V-Sim by Vodafone. Smart SIM works in over 100 countries please. Features and accuracy of location subject to Vodafone network coverage and GPS signal. Terms apply. See FAQs for more info.

Characters may be subject to change. © Disney. © Disney/Pixar. © & ™Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2021 MARVEL

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