Last week, Google and Samsung unveiled Galaxy Watch for Kids, a system that brings standalone Wear OS-based smartwatches for kids. Google has now explained how Samsung helped it optimize Wear OS for kids and how it can be used to make standalone watches that don't need a phone.
Galaxy Watch for Kids helped Wear OS get optimized smartwatches for kids
The Galaxy Watch for Kids experience, which is first available on the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE, allows Wear OS-based smartwatches to work independently. So, there is no need to have a companion smartphone. Even if a child doesn't have an Android smartphone, they can have a Wear OS smartwatch.
The following features make Galaxy Watch for Kids great for children:
- No phone required
- Location sharing
- Kid-friendly apps
- Parents/guardians can manage kids contacts
- App usage restriction during School Time
Google has explained to app developers that they can reach more young audience by creating kid-friendly apps by following certain guidelines and have minimal effect on battery life.
The company wants developers to make apps that are fun to use while encouraging kids to be active. It also advised developers to make apps, considering they are easy enough for kids as young as 6 years to use. They should also have content that is appropriate to see and use.
Google said all smartwatch apps aimed at kids should follow the following guidelines:
Moreover, the company says app developers should make apps that can be used even if a smartwatch is offline (not connected to a network or the internet). Apps should also need minimal internet or GPS connection to work. They should also use power-efficient APIs to track activities and exercises.
Watch faces designed for kids should have Samsung's new Watch Face Format that is required for Wear OS 5 smartwatches. Those watch faces should also be optimized for Always On Display (AOD) mode and follow Google's quality standards for kids. They should also be interactive and fun.
The story continues after our video below that shows five hidden Galaxy Watch tips.
Wear OS apps and watch faces designed for kids should have age and content requirements specified in the Play Store. They should also have standalone functionality, which means they should not depend on a companion smartphone app to work.
In the future, more smartwatch brands can make Wear OS-based watches for kids. We hope Samsung makes a Galaxy Watch FE with LTE for kids. It will be lighter on parents' pockets.
