Pinwheel introduced its latest product on July 2, 2025, a smartwatch designed for children that features a built-in AI chatbot called KidGPT. The new device, priced at $149, combines child location tracking and parental controls with a specially optimised AI assistant that includes age-appropriate content and safety restrictions. Pinwheel, which previously manufactured smartphones for children, specifically aimed to provide a safe alternative for parents who are increasingly concerned about the negative effects of traditional social media platforms and unlimited internet access on children.
The KidGPT chatbot, which is the device's main innovation, is an AI assistant specifically designed to support children's learning and development while operating under strict safety protocols. According to Entrepreneur Loop, the chatbot can answer children's questions, help with homework, and educate in a playful manner, but does not enable content inappropriate for the specific age group. Additional features of the smartwatch include GPS-based location tracking that allows parents to monitor their child's whereabouts in real-time, geofencing technology that notifies parents when the child leaves a predetermined safe zone, and restricted messaging functionality that only enables communication with contacts approved by parents.
The product launch has sparked expert debates about the safety and appropriateness of AI use by children. According to Pinwheel CEO Dane Witbeck, KidGPT may help reduce screen time as children can talk to the AI rather than watching videos or playing games, and the company suggests this could positively impact children's communication skills. Based on Mirror's reporting, the product operates with a monthly subscription fee of $14.99, which includes unlimited conversations with KidGPT, unlimited location tracking, and app updates. According to Pinwheel data, during initial testing, children asked KidGPT an average of twenty-three questions daily, and 87% of test families indicated that the product helped maintain children's curiosity and desire to learn.
Sources:
Lauren Forristal
Lawrence Matheson
