A Watch That Does More Than Tell Time
Recently launched, the Pinwheel Watch is a smartwatch tailored specifically for kids aged 7 to 14. Designed as a secure, child-friendly gadget, it offers a safe alternative by blocking access to social media and the wider web. Instead, it features:
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Parental control tools
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GPS tracking
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A camera
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Voice-to-text messaging
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Fun mini games
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And most notably—a built-in AI chatbot
Aesthetically, the watch sports a sleek black design with a screen slightly larger than the Apple Watch. It's priced at $160, with a $15 monthly subscription. It became available last week on Pinwheel.com and has already undergone limited testing.
Meet "Pinwheel GPT"—Your Child’s AI Companion
Beyond the typical parental control suite, one feature that's likely to raise eyebrows is the AI assistant—Pinwheel GPT.
According to the company, this chatbot was designed as a safe alternative to mainstream AI bots. Kids can ask questions related to schoolwork, social situations, or personal interests—without wandering into inappropriate content.
Safety Measures: More Than Just Talk
Many parents remain skeptical of AI, often citing risks like misinformation or overdependence. Some worry that children might begin replacing real-world interaction with conversations with a digital entity.
However, Pinwheel insists that safety is at the core of its design. The chatbot is programmed to recognize sensitive or inappropriate topics and immediately disengage, redirecting children to speak with a trusted adult. During limited internal testing, the AI reliably avoided responding to violent or unsuitable prompts.
Moreover, parents have full visibility into every interaction—both active and deleted—between their child and the chatbot. If something concerning arises, they can act quickly.
Designed with Parents in Mind
Dan Wittbek, a father of four and a company executive, says:
“We’ve faced no pressure from parents because if they’re uncomfortable, they can disable the chatbot or remove it from the watch entirely. We also do not use any personal data—whether from kids or adults—to train our AI models.”
Pinwheel launched its first child-safe phone in 2020. By 2024, it ranked 212th on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies—a testament to the rising demand for safer tech for kids.
Taking On the Big Leagues in Wearables
Entering the smartwatch market feels like a natural evolution, allowing Pinwheel to position itself against giants like Apple and Fitbit in a wearables industry worth nearly $100 billion. However, by targeting a niche audience—children, the company believes it can carve out a unique space.
Unlike Fitbit’s Ace LTE, which focuses mainly on location and health metrics, Pinwheel’s watch offers a more holistic child-focused experience, centered on communication, education, and safety.
Beyond AI: Packed with Practical Features
Children can call or text using voice commands or a keyboard, and there’s a front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. It also includes a voice recorder app, alarm, calendar, calculator, and mini-games like a Tetris-style puzzle.
Caregiver App Puts Parents in Full Control
Through the “Caregiver” companion app, parents can create a whitelist of approved contacts and block specific phone numbers. A scheduling tool allows parents to control access during certain times—like school hours or camp—limiting communication to emergency contacts only.
Parents can also monitor text messages, a particularly useful feature for younger kids. An AI-powered message summarizer gives them a quick snapshot of their child's conversations.
Global Expansion Underway
The Pinwheel Watch is now available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K., with more countries expected soon. The company also plans to launch on Amazon later this summer, though an exact date hasn’t been announced.
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