In today’s connected world, parents often look for ways to stay in touch with their children without handing over a full smartphone. The verizon gizmo watch 3 is designed to fill this gap, offering a kid-friendly smartwatch packed with communication, safety, and location features, all managed through robust parental controls.
What is the Gizmo Watch 3?
The Gizmo Watch 3 is a cellular-connected smartwatch sold by Verizon Wireless, specifically created for kids (generally recommended for ages 6-12). It serves as an introductory device, allowing kids to communicate with approved contacts and providing parents with peace of mind through location tracking and safety tools, all without access to the open internet or social media apps.
Key Features for Kids and Parents
The verizon gizmo watch 3 balances fun features for kids with essential safety tools for parents:
Communication Tools
- Two-Way Calling: Kids can make and receive voice calls, but only with contacts pre-approved by the parent/guardian (up to 20 contacts).
- Text & Voice Messaging: Unlike earlier models that relied solely on pre-set messages, the Gizmo Watch 3 features a full touchscreen QWERTY keyboard, allowing kids to type custom texts. It also supports voice messages and speech-to-text capabilities.
- Video Calling: Equipped with a front-facing camera, the Gizmo Watch 3 allows for short video calls (typically limited to 3 minutes to prevent overheating) between the watch and the parent’s GizmoHub app or other approved contacts.
- Gizmo Buddies: Kids with compatible Gizmo Watches can connect as “Buddies” (with parental approval) for watch-to-watch communication.
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Location Tracking & Geofencing
- Real-Time GPS: Parents can check their child’s location in near real-time using the companion GizmoHub app.
- Location History: The app can display a history of the watch’s location points.
- Safe Zones (Geofencing): Parents can set up virtual boundaries around familiar places like home or school and receive notifications on their phone when the Gizmo Watch enters or leaves these designated areas.
- Location Check-ins: Kids can easily send their current location directly from the watch to their parents.
Safety Features
- SOS Button: A dedicated SOS button allows the child to quickly call a designated primary emergency contact with a long press. This function works even when the watch is in School Mode.
- Trusted Contacts Only: Communication (calling, texting, video calling) is restricted solely to the list of contacts set up and approved by the parent/guardian in the GizmoHub app. No unknown numbers can contact the watch.
- Medical ID: Parents can input important medical information (allergies, medications, blood type) accessible via the SOS button sequence in case of emergency.
Activity and Fun Features
- Step Tracker: Encourages kids to stay active by counting steps.
- Games: Includes simple, pre-loaded games like Tic-Tac-Toe and puzzle games.
- To-Do Lists & Reminders: Parents can set tasks and reminders that appear on the child’s watch.
- Customizable Watch Faces: Kids can personalize their watch display.
- Camera: Allows kids to take selfies and send picture/video messages (not available on the “Adventure” model).
(Note: Verizon also offers the Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure model, which lacks a camera but features enhanced screen durability and a wireless charging dock.)
Parental Controls via the GizmoHub App
Parents manage virtually every aspect of the verizon gizmo watch 3 through the free GizmoHub app installed on their own smartphone (iOS or Android).
- Contact Management: Add, edit, and remove the up to 20 trusted contacts. Assign different permission levels (e.g., Guardian, Caregiver, Calling Contact).
- Location Monitoring: View maps, set safe zones, receive alerts, and check location history.
- Communication Settings: Monitor call logs (not text content), enable/disable features like Auto-Answer (allowing parents to listen in).
- Watch Settings: Set School Mode (disables most features during specific times), manage volume and ringtones, set alarms and reminders, and manage photo/video cloud backup (if enabled).
Service Requirements and Cost
- Dedicated Verizon Line: The Gizmo Watch 3 requires its own line of service on a Verizon Wireless account. It cannot simply connect via Bluetooth to a parent’s phone for cellular functions.
- Connected Device Plan: It uses a specific “connected device” or “smartwatch” plan, which typically costs around $10 per month (plus taxes and fees). This plan usually provides unlimited talk and text (to the approved contacts) and the necessary data for GPS, messaging, and limited video calling.
- Purchase Price: The watch itself is purchased separately (currently around $150, often available on device payment plans) in addition to the monthly service fee.
Where to Buy
The verizon gizmo watch 3 is available for purchase directly from Verizon, either through their retail stores or on the official Verizon website.
