Following an official European launch back in August, Xplora is now bringing its Xplora X5 Play smartwatch to the US. Meant as a wearable for children, the smartwatch packs a number of unique features. Those are both geared toward practicality and for fun as a “first phone” type device for a child. But ultimately the Xplora X5 Play is designed to help kids accomplish more than a few goals.
Specifically, Xplora X5 Play is designed to help kids stay active, connected, and safe, and to encourage curiosity.
So what is the Xplora X5 Play, really?
Under the surface, the Xplora X5 Play is a 4G LTE-connected Android-based smartwatch that will work will all major US carriers via Nano-SIM. Xplora hasn’t provided a wealth of details about the underlying hardware, except to route that it’s built out on the Snapdragon Wear platform. And to point out that it’s integrated with calling, location tracking, step counting, and a 2-megapixel camera.
Addressing the points noted above, the wearable helps kids stay connected because it works just like smartphones do thanks to its SIM card slot. In effect, that allows parents not only to keep tabs on where their kids are, complete with Google Maps integration and safe-zone settings. It also enables calls from and to up to 50 parent-approved contacts. Of course, SOS functions are part of this wearable package too.
Helping keep kids even more safe and secure, all of that, according to the company, is well within safety guidelines and rules. Specifically, that’s with regard to technology sold for children. In fact, the watch meets with GDPR, CPRA, and CE/FCC standards. So the data should be well guarded against any breaches in privacy.
The Xplora X5 Play watch is a fitness wearable for kids too. That means it includes a step counter, of course, but it also utilizes gamification techniques to help kids stay active. Rewards are dolled out for every 1,000 steps taken. And there are a plethora of other gamification features thanks to Xplora’s Goplay platform integration. That includes content from Sony Interactive, Paramount’s Dora and the Lost City of Gold, and Spies in Disguise from Fox Disney.
Last but not least, the Xplora X5 Play is designed to foster exploration, adventuring, and curiosity through its inclusion of a 2-megapixel camera. That can store up to 1,000 images on-device.
Pricing and availability
Now, Xplora notes that screen time for kids is up during the pandemic. In fact, it’s up by 500-percent. And that’s part of the issue that it hopes to address with this wearable. According to the company, the Xplora line of smartwatches really gets kids moving. Wearers take up to 300-percent more steps. Xplora users in Europe, it says, walk up to 2.5 billion steps every week. That’s the equivalent of walking around the world five times per day.
The wearable operates via 4G, 3G, and 2G — wear available. And it’s built to an IP68 rating in terms of durability against water and dust. For battery life, the company’s site lists the device as lasting up to 72 hours on standby or up to 5-hours in terms of continuous call time.
The latest in Xplora’s lineup of smartwatches is available starting at $189.99 via Amazon in either Black or Pink.