Samsung and Google have teamed up to create a kid-friendly smartwatch, but they’re not launching a new physical product. The new Galaxy Watch for Kids experience is designed to give kids a taste of a smartwatch while allowing parents to be in control.

Unlike the Fitbit Ace LTE that Google launched last year, the Galaxy Watch for Kids is not a dedicated smartwatch–it’s an experience. Instead of making a new device, Samsung is adding a kid-friendly mode that parents can choose when setting up a Galaxy Watch 7 LTE. With features like parental controls, kids can safely explore while staying connected with their families.

Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids rules.

Samsung

The big feature of the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience is its focus on parental controls. Google Family Link allows parents to manage their child’s watch usage, set ground rules, and stay connected. Parents can approve or block apps, see their child’s location, set “School Time” limits, and even find a lost watch. It’s very similar to the Fitbit Ace LTE experience.

As you would expect from a watch for kids, there’s also a lot of fun and learning baked in. The watch faces and apps are designed to be kid-friendly, with characters and activities from popular brands like Barbie, Crayola, Marvel, and PBS Kids. There are 20 “teacher-approved” apps and watch faces available at launch for kids to check out.

Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids faces and apps.

Samsung

I was a huge fan of the Fitbit Ace LTE, and it looks like the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience is a similar idea. It gives kids a safe and controlled way to experience the benefits of being connected with family and friends without the baggage of a smartphone. Utilizing the existing Galaxy Watch 7 LTE is a great idea, even if it’s not original–Apple has been doing this with “Family Setup” on the Apple Watch since 2020.

The Galaxy Watch for Kids is available starting today on the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE from Samsung.com, and it will work on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Samsung did not mention accessories, but the official images show silicone cases and bands for added durability and customization.

Source: Google