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The new Pinwheel smartwatch is one of the coolest wearables I came across atCES 2025.
There’s even an AI chatbot tailored to youngsters (parents can disable this feature, of course).
Here’s everything you should probably know about this promising new kid-centric smartwatch.
The case design looks remarkablyApple WatchUltra-like.
The other side contains a built-in speaker and a SIM card slot.
When you hold it, the Pinwheel watch feels well-constructed and built to last.
It boasts an IP67 environmental sealing rating against dust and water.
This should translate to solid protection against dirt, grime and accidental liquid spills.
The watch is technically submersible for short periods but I’d avoid swimming with it on.
Battery life should be good for roughly one day per charge.
Like the Apple Watch, the charger for the Pinwheel connects to the bottom of the case magnetically.
However, unlike most modern adult smartwatches, the new Pinwheel watch sports not one but two onboard cameras.
That primary camera can also be used for selfies.
The second camera is located at the top of the watch and is designed for kids to use creatively.
Both cameras support photo and video capture.
More importantly, parents can turn off the cameras if they feel uncomfortable with the feature.
Fortunately, the brand’s experience building kid-centric smartphones informed their development of the Pinwheel watch.
Currently, these apps are available on Pinwheel’s kid-friendly smartphone only.
However, they shouldhopefullymake their way to the watch, too.
They all boast ratings, too.
Unique to the new Pinwheel smartwatch is its PinwheelGPT AI chat app.
This child-oriented chatbot uses ChatGPT to answer questions like, ‘Why is the sky blue?’
Answers are programmed to be short and digestible.
The app is also designed to avoid controversial topics.
Like the apps and games, parents can suspend the AI chatbot.
Beyond that, though, wellness features are limited.
For example, there’s no sleep-tracking, as the rig is not meant to be worn to bed.
However, after a year, the cost of the two devices, with cellular, is roughly equal.
The Fitbit ACE LTE will run you $350 while the Pinwheel will cost you $340.
The Pinwheel also has a far larger pool of apps for kids to choose from.
Other players in the space include theCosmo Jr Track 4, which I also checked out at CES.
At $129, it’s even more affordable than the Pinwheel watch with a similar monthly cellular cost.
The Cosmo Jr also features kid-friendly apps and loads of parental controls.
However, design-wise, I much prefer the look and feel of the Pinwheel.
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