Wednesday 15 April 2015

LG KizON Review



The LG KizON is a wearable device for children that connects with an app on a parent's phone to enable you to both track your child's movements an communicate directly with them. It is aimed at pre-school and primary school children and is an innovative new way to get peace of mind while giving young children more freedom and independence. We were sent it prior to it's UK release to test out with my 7 year old son, Ben.




What's in the box?

Inside the box you get the LG KizON in either pink or blue, a micro USB charging cable, a mains plug and SIM card as well as easy to follow set up instructions. Credit can be added to the SIM card for making calls from the device.

The LG KizON is equipped with a 400 mAh battery (Which holds up to 36 hours of battery life) and takes up to 3 hours to fully charge. You can check how much battery life remains by pressing the call button twice or by checking the app.

We were sent the blue LG KizON and the over all design is futuristic and sleek looking, the only note I would add is that although the 'cars' design would appeal to younger children, it may put children on the upper end of the target market off.

Wearing the LG KidzON


The device itself is made from specially sourced rubberised material that is non - toxic and comfortable against children's sensitive skin. I was impressed to read that KizON is the first wearable device to receive the Green Product Mark from Europe's leading  testing, inspection and certification body, TÜV Rheinland. I am wary of so many new tech devices and find this reassuring that LG are being environmentally aware. 

Putting on the device was something that Ben needed a hand with as it was a bit fiddly but the result meant that once it was on it would be difficult for young children to remove and lose.



Tracking and Communicating with the LG KizON

To use the LG KizON you need to download the LG KizON app from the Google Play Store, it's free and really easy to set up. 

I was impressed with the interface of the app as it has been well thought out and is user friendly. It is set up to send you reminders via text message to notify you of battery life and to tell you when the device is turned on and off. Through the app you can control the LG KizON's volume and power and you can also add up to four authourised contacts that the device can then call or receive calls from. 
You can call the LG KizON directly from the App and track it using a traditional road map or using street view. 




Overall Thoughts...

I have to admit that I had some misgivings about this product at first. I did not want to become part of a 'big brother' society that 'tracks' my child's every move, I believe in giving my children a reasonable amount of independence to learn and explore. On the other hand I feared that some parents may see this devise as an excuse not to pay attention to what their children are doing and to substitute it for parenting. Knowing where your children are is one thing but it is important to be aware of other dangers to them also. 

In reality I found that the LG KizON was really useful for our current holiday. In crowded attractions I could call Ben if he became separated and find him in less than a minute. On the beach or when playing in a play area on the caravan site when I could see him happily playing in the distance but he was too far away to shout to, I could call him though the app to say that dinner was ready or that he needed to come and get some more sun cream on.

I can see other times where it would be useful also such as to let him know if I was gong to be later than usual picking him up from after school club or a friends house. I think this is an ideal solution for children who may want a mobile phone but their parents don't think they are ready for one.

It is yet another tech device to put on charge each night but one that I find really useful to have.

As this is yet to be launched in the UK I'm not aware of the retail price but I will update you as soon as I know!
We're going on an adventure


Disclosure: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.

6 comments:

  1. Like you I would have misgivings about this to start BUT if it gives you peace of mind and your child a bit more freedom to go places a little further away I am all for it...sounds a good device :)

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  2. These look amazing, even for shopping trips they would be good.

    xxx

    Lyndsey

    www.labeau.co.uk

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  3. That's really interesting, and definitely incredibly useful for a child of Ben's age whenever you are anywhere there is space or there are crowds. I'd definitely use one with my 6 year old :)

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  4. Coombe Mill (Fiona)Tuesday, April 21, 2015

    I would love to have had these with my children on days out in London when they were young, it was always such a worry with 6 little ones.

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  5. As someone who isn't keen on my kids having mobiles any younger that necessary I think it's a great idea. I had a right panic last Summer when Ben walked on ahead at a farm and for a split second I couldn't find him. I've since bought wristbands for them to wear when we're somewhere busy but the interactive nature of this is really appealing.
    Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested this week x

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  6. That sounds like a great product for helping give children a little more independence whilst giving parents peace of mind and it's good to know that the design makes it hard for the children to take off and lose.

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I love to read your comments, thank you for sharing your thoughts.