Review: Octopus Smartwatch for Kids
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If your kids are like mine, they are always asking for an Apple Watch of their own. However, an Apple Watch is expensive and fragile and requires charging daily. Consider the Octopus Watch ($69.99) from Joy instead. This kid-sized watch isn't just more affordable, it actually has features specifically for kids.
Related: 8 Tips for Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Screens
The Octopus works with a companion app to help teach good habits, like feeding the fish and brushing your teeth. Like the Apple Watch, the Octopus has a magnetic USB charging cable. If you spring for the version with the Companion, you get a cute nightlight-type device that also charges the watch. The watch itself is water resistant and provides two to five days of usage.
Pros
- Looks like an Apple Watch
- Assorted colors
- Water resistant
- Companion app teaches good habits
- Magnetic USB charging with two to five days of usage
Cons
- Companion charger sold separately
Final Verdict
The Octopus from Joy is the ideal smartwatch for kids and for parents on a budget.
iPhone Life Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Todd Bernhard
Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!
An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.