Vodafone to a create kids smartwatch with Disney in time for Christmas

Vodafone is pairing up with Disney to build a new kids smartwatch that will be launched before Christmas.

The hardware will come from Vodafone’s own smart tech team, with the software developed by Disney’s own ‘world-class designers’.

The watch will launch in key European markets ahead of the festive period and will have best-in-class mobile connectivity, suggesting the watch will have its own SIM to enable it to be connected without the need for a nearby phone.

After the launch, the two companies will continue to develop the user experience with Disney set to introduce new characters, interactive content and features.

“At Vodafone we are building a full range of products that will improve everyday living through the magic of smart technology. Our commitment to connect our customers to the most important things in their lives runs through everything we do and what could be more important than staying in touch with our children.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Disney. With the combination of our trusted global network, our world-class product and design credentials and beloved Disney characters, we truly believe that together we have the opportunity to reinvent the children’s smart tech category.”
Lutfu Kitapci, Managing Director, Vodafone Consumer IoT

Instead of using the designers of more ‘industrial’ watches for an older audience, this watch will be created by designer Yves Behar and his team at fuseproject.

“This collaboration will supercharge our presence in an exciting, emerging category that’s only set to grow. By bringing cutting edge design and technology together with the world’s best loved characters from Disney, we have created the smartest watch yet for kids. Kids will love the independence and fun, while parents will value trusted Disney content and reliable connectivity from Vodafone.”
Tasia Filippatos, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing EMEA at Disney

The watch will be sold as part of the ‘Designed and Connected by Vodafone’ range. It happens at a time when there will be a predicted 64 billion smart devices globally by 2026 (source: Business Insider).

More details will be released later in the year.