Wearables

Guardian device turns app-users into child-trackers

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Guardian is designed to let parents keep tabs on their kids
The Guardian device can be worn like a bracelet
Guardian is designed to let parents keep tabs on their kids
A notification that a Guardian-wearing child is about to exceed their safety perimeter
Guardian allows parents to check if their missing child is within range of other users, and sends the location if they are
The Guardian device is powered by a user-replaceable battery, that should last four to 12 months depending on use
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With the advent of GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, child-tracking devices are now hitting the marketplace thick and fast – consumers can already choose between the likes of Mommy I'm Here, Lok8U, and BiKN. Now Taipei-based startup BeLuvv is throwing its hat in the ring, with the Guardian system.

Guardian consists of two components: the wearable waterproof Guardian device itself, and an iOS app. The device can be worn like a bracelet, a pendant or a buckle, and it communicates with the parents' phone via Bluetooth Smart. Should the child wander (or be taken) away beyond a pre-determined safety perimeter, an alert sounds and appears on the phone.

If the child can't subsequently be located, a search can be initiated. This will allow parents to check if the child is with other people that they've added to their safety network, who are also running the app. Additionally, if the child comes within range of anyone using the app, the location will be sent to the parents via the cloud.

The device is powered by a user-replaceable battery that should last four to 12 months depending on use, and has a maximum range of 230 feet (70 m). The app lets users know when the battery is getting low, and is compatible with iPhones 4S, 5S, 5C, plus iPad.

Guardian can be pre-ordered for US$24.95 until Nov. 30, at which point shipping is scheduled to begin. The price will then rise to $29.95.

You can see how the system works, in the video below.

Source: BeLuvv

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7 comments
sunfly
A comparison of all the products mentioned would be nice. =)
Slowburn
It should signal if it is removed as well. It could be important.
John Driggers
It is NOT a child tracker, it is a device tracker-unless you do some kind of biological implant.
This real use of this will come from over controlling parents who track their child's every move. "You didn't come straight home from school today, did you Johnny? And don't lie to me...I was tracking you."
These kinds of devices will likely not solve crimes, but will lead to a whole new level or parental tormenting and abuse of children.
Matt Rings
would be nice to incorporate a "child left in a hot car" alert... a temp sensor that alerts if the device is so many minutes hotter than local ambient temps.
Chris Bedford
Completely pointless if it can be removed by a kidnapper. And unacceptably dangerous if it can't be removed ("What's this? A tracking device? OK kill the kid or cut his foot off")
Richard Barber
Those saying its completely pointless have obviously never had their child sneak away in a shop or hide somewhere and cant be found.... at least with this you will get piece of mind that they are near and can be tracked down.... worth the $30 for that alone.... Shame its only Apple app right now though.
Valerie Bowen
My son got lost in a very crowded zoo yesterday, longest 5 minutes of my life. He saw me and heard me yelling for him but it was so crowded I could not find him. My research began last night and I think I'm going to be buying this. Not so much for a kidnapping instance but for something like yesterday.