Children sport LG Electronics' KizON wristband
Parents of pre-school and primary schoolchildren can now keep track of and listen in on their kids with LG Electronic’s KizON wristband, which is worn by the child.
The KizON wristband uses GPS and Wi-Fi, and enables parents to track their kids’ whereabouts in real-time on a smartphone.
The wristband features a call button, which the child can press to be connected to a pre-configured phone number. This number can be changed at any time through a smartphone running Android 4.1 or higher.
Parents can communicate with their child via this feature, called One Step Direct Call, as well.
If the child fails to answer a call from any of the pre-configured numbers within 10 seconds, KizON will automatically connect the call to let the parents listen through the built-in microphone.
Parents can also pre-set the device to provide them with location alerts at specific times.
KizON specs
LG Electronics said the KizON wristband has 64MB of RAM and a 400mAh battery that lasts 36 hours. The wristband is made of eco-friendly polythiourethane material that is water-resistant and stain resistant. The device comes in blue, pink and green.
Dr Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, said wearables allow us to stay connected without the worry of losing a device or the inconvenience of having to carry a large item in a pocket.
However, Peter Bradley, director of services at the charity Kidscape, raised ethical concerns about such devices in speaking to the BBC.
“Should a child be able to be traced as part of going about their daily lives? How can a child develop their own coping strategies knowing a parent is watching over them?” he asked.
“A parent should never solely rely on a device alone. This will only give a false sense of security,” Bradley said, and added that children still need to be taught about dangers.
The KizON wristband will be released first in South Korea tomorrow and in Europe and North America later this year. Details of availability and price are to be announced locally.
