Kids are prone in breaking something, almost anything, let alone a mobile device. But parents tend to worry when these young people are away from their sights that they might consider in giving them one, However, kids don't use gadgets like adults do, but with a $200 Filip, parents can keep a closer eye on their kids without having to buy them mobile devices or GPS tracker that they will inevitably lose, break, or cover in watercolor paint.
First introduced in 2013, Filip was originally meant to be a safety device. It was marketed as "the world's first smart locator and phone." but the planned device is more of a take on a location and communications service for young children than it is about apps on the wrist. As a choice for a kid's best friend on a wrist, it's rugged, waterproof and colorful.
The wristband is small and not at all adjustable, but It will fit most small children just fine. Filip's CEO Jonathan Peachey says the company is exploring new designs that will fit larger wrists
Filip comes in four different colors, and like a toy, it's plain and simple. Beside than just showing the current time, the device that has a 'childish appearance' is embedded with GPS, Wi-Fi and GSM radios to support location tracking and two-way phone calls between kids and their parents. And while their are away, parents can use their iOS or Android phone and use the Filip app to locate their kids wearing Filip. They can call their child and have an actual conversation: Filip is limited to send calls to up to five numbers only, which are configured by the parent.
To make a call, the child selects a contact and speaks into a small microphone below the watch face. Parents can send a text message of up to 24 characters which will display on the screen. Filip is a one-way text message receiver, another thing the parents have less to worry.
The GPS, Wi-Fi and GSM radio support are required to track the kids whereabouts. Parents can view up to the last 48 hours of their child's locations on their phone.
The device also supports geofencing technology. This allows parents create a set of safe zones (home, school or any acceptable places) in the device so they can be alerted whenever their Filip-wearing kids wanders outside the area. Likewise, Filip can be used to tell parents when their child has arrived in a preconfigured safe zone.
To keep things simple for kids, there are just two buttons: a big red one to make calls, and a smaller green one to cycle through the child's list of contacts. When the red one is held for three seconds, it reacts as a panic button and a sequence of events happens:
- A text message to up to five predefined phone numbers are sent with location data.
- The device will start recording ambient sound.
- Calls are made to the predefined phones in succession.
- In case of no answers from the five phones, Filip can directly call emergency services.
Conclusion
There is still relatively small market for wearable devices for kids that provide the basic features that parents would want. Filip is a smartwatch for younger kids that serves multiple purposes between location tracking, security and communications. And it provides all that without the complications of an actual handset.
And while Filips may sound as good as it looks, the ability to make cellular calls will need its own service plan and GSM coverage. Location accuracy is not accurate, sometimes the difference is about two or three blocks from the device's actual spot. Filip app also kept creating safe zones elsewhere.
Despite the flaws, Filip can provide some solid peace of mind when kids are out of sight.