The time is now to get on board with VTech’s KidiTech line!
Kids can sport some tech armwear just like grown-ups with the new KidiZoom Smartwatch DX3. It features games, daily reminders, learning activities, and a camera. Basically, all it’s missing to be identical to parents’ smartwatches are Bluetooth headphones, so kids can go for a jog and call into a board meeting at the same time.
I found myself wishing the watch came in adult sizes (it actually fit my wrist pretty well, so I guess it does) because of the included front-facing and side-view cameras. Kids can take selfies with a number of fun filters, but also use the camera for some augmented reality games. My favorite was the Monster Catcher because I had to take a certain amount of steps before being able to “catch” a monster by pointing my watch at it and tapping the screen. It makes exercise fun because you don’t even realize you’re getting your heart pumping. The other movement games include Racing Run, Crazy Dance, and Funky Jump. Parents can let kids run around, worry-free as the watch features a plastic screen that is sturdy and should remain scratchless.
Kids can also pair up with friends who also have a DX3 to play the multiplayer games, Treasure Hunt, Find the Diamonds, and Tic-Tac-Toe. If they don’t have a pal to play with, the games are can be played against a robot. While connected to their friends, kids can send preset messages as well.
Of course, it’s not a VTech toy without learning being involved. The watch features a Time Master “app” that helps kids practice both analog and digital time-telling. Kids can move the minutes and hours up and down on both clocks and a friendly owl will read the time to them. This is something I especially wish that I had as a kid because it’s helpful to see the analog and digital clocks next to each other for reference.
In addition to the other features, kids can use the calculator, flashlight, and Daily Reminders app. When it’s time to focus on studying, they can switch on over to School Mode for a watch-only experience. At the end of the day, kids can either charge it up with the included plug or store it safely in the top part of the package.
Watch out for this one on holiday lists this year!
