Vodafone Neo Kids SmartWatch gets new Disney characters

Vodafone’s smartwatch for kids, Neo, has launched a series of new Disney characters to its range – just in time for Christmas. Characters including Disney’s Ariel, Donald, Olaf and Star Wars’™ Chewbacca will join existing icons – Disney’s Elsa, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Rapunzel, Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Star Wars’’™ Darth Vader, Grogu, Marvel’s Black Panther and The Armoured Avenger.

Kids will now be able to select these new characters as their own personal sidekick – joining them every step of the way on their mini adventures. The Neo smartwatch is the perfect introduction to wearable tech for kids, with calls, chat and fun – all in one watch. They can seamlessly switch from one character to another, providing them with a new and different experience whenever they like.

Secure settings give peace of mind so parents can stay connected to their children even when they’re apart – through calls, chats, emojis and GPS. Parents will also be able to receive multi-media messages sent from Neo directly to their Vodafone Smart App.

The app gives parents full control of their child’s digital experience, and enables them to approve a trusted circle of up to nine contacts. Parents will also be able to manage their screen time with “Quiet Mode” and view the device’s location.

Vodafone Neo is a smartwatch for kids that gives them independence as they take their first steps into the digital world, but which also helps parents stay connected.

Kids can personalise their Neo by choosing a theme based on ‘sidekicks’ – familiar characters such as Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Buzz Lightyear and Darth Vader. They can switch themes whenever they like and additional characters will be added over time. They can also take photos using the forward-facing camera.

Parents can use the Neo to stay connected with their children through calls, chat and video messages. Using the Vodafone Smart App, parents can manage screen time through Quiet Mode, view the Neo’s location, and approve a list of trusted contacts.

The Neo is waterproof, withstanding immersion in fresh water at depths of a metre for up to 30 minutes, and its battery can last for approximately a whole day, based on normal usage. The smartwatch is part of the ‘Designed & Connected by Vodafone’ range alongside the Curve IoT tracker.

Max Taylor, Vodafone’s UK Consumer Director, said:

“Neo represents the coming together of two brands to create an exciting and innovative product for children. We have combined our technology and connectivity with Disney and some of the world’s best-loved characters to create a device that combines function, style and fun.

“With these new characters, Neo is the perfect gift for children this Christmas.”

The Neo smartwatch has no open internet and no access to social media, providing parents and guardians with the comfort that their children will not be exposed to inappropriate content.

The latest characters will soon be accompanied by new features that will bring parents and kids even more ways to keep in touch. From early 2022, Neo users will be able to send voice messages (up to one minute), picture messages and video messages (up to 10 seconds). The watch will automatically update over time with new experiences and features at no extra charge.

These new updates will sit alongside existing features that empower children to discover, play and grow, including a forward-facing camera to capture their daily adventures and an activity tracker that sets goals. Neo also gives children access to a calendar, weather forecast and reminders that can be set by parents – all whilst staying connected through Vodafone’s network.