Vodafone launches wearables for children and the infirm

Vodafone Group announced the launch of the first wearable products in its ‘V by Vodafone’ consumer internet of things (IoT) range on Tuesday - the ‘V-SOS Band by Vodafone, an emergency alert wristband; and the ‘V-Kids Watch by Vodafone’ smartwatch.

The FTSE 100 telecoms giant had announced the range in November last year, in a bid to offer consumers a range of internet-connected devices to use while on the move and at home.

It said the ‘V-SOS Band’ enabled consumers with mobility issues to continue living independently, and get assistance in an emergency situation, with the in-built SIM able to send a message to up to four designated contacts, such as family members.

The features of the device included that SOS alert message, the ability for contacts to coordinate attendance to an emergency and highlight when it is resolved, fall detection, user location, water resistance, inactivity alert, and battery alerts.

The ‘V-Kids Watch’, on the other hand, was described as a smartwatch for children that would be connected over Vodafone's mobile network, enabling parents to stay in contact with their child when they started to gain more independence.

Its features included location monitoring, the designation of ‘safe zones’ by parents, SOS alert messaging, ordinary messaging, reminders, games and other content, and a content shut-off during school time.

To use either device, Vodafone said customers would pay a one-off cost for each device as well as a fixed-rate monthly subscription fee.

For existing Vodafone mobile customers, the monthly subscription would be added to their Vodafone bill.

“Our growing range of V by Vodafone products and services are enabling our customers to stay connected to everyone and everything that matters to them anytime and anywhere,” said the company’s chief commercial and strategy officer Serpil Timuray.

“The V-SOS Band by Vodafone and V-Kids Watch by Vodafone will enable consumers to enjoy greater independence while keeping them safe and secure by being in contact with their families when needed.”