The realm of kids’ tech has seen many attempts at merging fun with functionality, but the My First Fone R2 is a thoughtful, safety-first innovation. Developed by myFirst, a firm known for its focus on child-friendly technology, this round smartwatch does more than just tell tim, it connects, tracks, and entertains, all while keeping safety at the forefront.
Design
One of the first things that struck me about the My First Fone R2, particularly the sleek black model I reviewed is that it has the appearance of a genuine smartwatch rather than a toy. Previous kids watches we’ve reviewed have had more of a toy-like appearance with large bright clunky features. This mature, Garmin-style design is a welcome change, especially for kids approaching their teenage years. This is not to say the R2 isn’t available in a variety of vibrant colours, as it is, but even these versions maintain a sophisticated aesthetic that feels more grown-up.
Communication
For parents hesitant to hand over a smartphone, the My First Fone R2 offers an ideal middle ground. This smartwatch functions as a phone, GPS tracker, music player, camera, and fitness tracker, all rolled into one lightweight device. With its built-in eSIM, the watch can make and receive video calls, send texts, and even exchange Momoji stickers – animated emojis that bring an extra layer of fun to digital communication.
As parents, you can manage who your child can contact and block access to potentially unsafe apps and games. This ensures that your child stays connected without being exposed to the pitfalls of unrestricted internet access. In an emergency, the watch’s SOS feature is a lifesaver, literally, enabling kids to call for help with just a press of a button.
Safety
The phone features location-tracking capability. Beyond standard GPS, the smartwatch uses Smart Location tracking, which relies on motion detection and Wi-Fi signals to suggest your child’s whereabouts. Although not pinpoint accurate, it’s surprisingly close.
The GPS and geofencing features allow parents to create safe zones and receive alerts if their child strays outside these boundaries. The watch also includes a Class Mode, which disables certain features like messaging and calling during school hours, ensuring that the device doesn’t become a distraction.
Fitness and Health Monitoring
Health-conscious parents will appreciate the built-in heart rate monitor and pedometer. These features let you keep tabs on your child’s physical activity, tracking steps, calories burned, and distance covered. You can even set high heart rate alerts via the MyFirst Circle companion app, prompting your child to take a break if necessary.
Additional Features
The My First Fone R2 is a powerhouse of features packed into a small, 48-gram device. The 1.3-inch display is bright and responsive, with a resolution of 360×360 pixels that ensures clarity whether indoors or out. A handy Magic Button on top of the watch allows for customisable shortcuts, enhancing ease of use.
With 8GB of internal storage, kids can save their favourite MP3 tracks directly on the watch for on-the-go listening. The 5MP camera is a fun addition, letting kids snap photos and share moments with friends and family. Plus, the watch is IPX8 rated, meaning it’s resistant to dust and water, perfect for kids who love to explore.
Subscription
The My First Fone R2 relies on a dedicated eSIM provided by MyFirst. This means that, while the watch is operable in 85 countries, parents are required to subscribe to the MyFirst Stay Connected plan.
My First Fone R2 is available now priced £199.99 from https://uk.myfirst.tech/products/myfirst-fone-r2
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