Novus: the phone, smartwatch & home assistant for kids

Smartwatches for adults are a dime a dozen. But we are not exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to smartwatches for kids. Particularly if you are looking for a high quality device.

But that’s slowly changing. Garmin and Fitbit have entered the fitness trackers for kids space, and it’s only a matter of time before they start churning out smartwatches for little ones. In the meantime, smaller companies are filling the gap.

Essential reading: Top smartwatches for kids

One of these is an outfit called Abardeen. A kids smartphone maker, their latest device is an ambitious attempt at a 3 in 1 wearable. Novus is a modular smartwatch that also functions as a smartphone and home assistant.

The device changes form factor seamlessly thanks to a removable core unit. Slip it into a pod-like holder and it takes the form of a mini phone with a touch wheel controller. Your kids can use it to make video calls, phone calls or send voice/text messages. There’s also an SOS mode that puts them in touch with emergency contacts who can provide help.

For added protection, parents can keep track of their kids location in real-time via a robust suite of location services including GPS, A-GPS, LBS and Wi-Fi. Everything is configurable via the Novus app app which adults can use to set a wide variety of parental controls.

Slip it into a band and it looks like a smartwatch, sitting securely on your kids wrist. From there it can track steps making sure you little ones are getting enough exercise. It can also take photos, videos, play music and more.

Finally, Novus also fits into an AI speaker unit. It then functions as a useful information tool and multimedia player powered by Google Assistant and simple voice commands. There’s also a night-light function. It senses body temperature so when you get close the gizmo automatically turns on.

“When we set out to build Novus, we wanted to take the latest available technology and apply it to the unique needs of a child and their parents,” said Jacko Liu, CEO Abardeen.

“We knew that it would have to be simple to use and fun, with features that kids love, yet have the power of parental controls and a reliable way for parents to reach their kids anytime and anywhere. Novus is the best of both worlds, a phone that kids love and that parents approve of.”

Novus certainly sounds like an interesting multi-functional device. The Kickstarter campaign to make it a reality has already smashed through its rather modest $10,000 goal. With more than a month to go before the campaign runs out, there’s plenty of time to join in. Delivery to backers is expected in August.

Price: $149 and up

Funding open:

$25,950 raised out of $10,000 goal
35 days to go

Estimated delivery: August 2019

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