st231

TECH FEATURE

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

Staying in contact with kids not only gives parents peace of mind if plans change at the last minute, but also grants children a sense of safety and security. From phones to smartwatches, this is how tech can keep everyone connected. KEEP CONNECTED S mart devices that allow parents to stay connected to their children are one of the great initiatives of the tech revolution. Communication via two-way talk or video and real-time Words Bec Summer

Smartwatches Smartwatches designed for kids are a reliable alternative to a phone and share many of the same features, such as two-way talk and video calling, text messaging, real-time GPS tracking and geo-fencing, and no open internet access. They are simple to set up and monitor remotely using the companion app. And in good news for teachers, some can be set to ‘school mode’, transforming them into a regular watch while class is in. Choose an age-appropriate smartwatch for the features and functionality that will best meet your child’s needs – and make sure it’s durable, waterproof, and has a decent battery life.

GPS tracking to locate their whereabouts in a jiffy helps alleviate parental concerns, particularly as another school year begins. When choosing which smart device is right for your child, it basically comes down to age, functionality, and the level of parental control it provides.

Smartphones Deciding what age your little ones should be armed with a smartphone can be tricky, and the desire to own one can often be fanned by constant peer pressure. A child with a smartphone can trigger a wave of parental concern about online safety, social media use, and excessive screen time. But if you’re comfortable that your child understands the responsible use of a phone, consider a basic budget model that won’t cost a fortune to replace should it be lost or broken.

Pixbee Kids 4G Video Smartwatch Keep in touch with two-way video and voice calls, manage pre-approved contacts and virtual safe zones with GPS tracking, and deactivate certain functions during classroom hours. The free Pixbee app allows remote access to the watch’s camera and a location finder should it go missing. Connect with 4G and Wi-Fi – all you need is a Nano SIM card.

Spacetalk Loop One of the most popular kid’s smartwatch brands, the latest in the Spacetalk range comes with many safety features. Real-time location GPS tracking and 4G phone calls ensure that the wearer is always reachable and a parent has complete control over all of the contacts on the smartwatch. Safe zones can be established, and an alert is sent whenever the user leaves or enters that zone. The Loop is also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance.

Motorola Moto G84 An excellent mid-range feature-packed smartphone, the Moto G84 has a 6.5”

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Another excellent mid-range buy, the Samsung A54 has a 120Hz 6.4” AMOLED screen and up to a two-day battery life. Cameras include a wide 50MP and ultra-wide 12MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens to capture small details.

pOLED screen for games and movies with a 120Hz refresh rate. For the all-important camera setup, on the rear there’s a 50MP main camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide angle Macro

Vision, plus a 16MP front camera. And to top it all

off, it even comes with Dolby Atmos speakers. The fetching Marshmallow Blue version is a JB exclusive.

18 JANUARY 2024

jbhifi.com.au