Nickelodeon unveils its new family wearable device NickWatch at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

ViacomCBS and Nickelodeon have unveiled the firm’s first connected smart watch, a family-centric wearable device that promotes physical activity, helps kids explore the world around them, and features a cast of popular Nickelodeon characters.

First revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, NickWatch by Nickelodeon features new technology developed with VCNI’s specialised tech partner, offering kids independence as well as access to a ‘robust entertainment offering fueled by Nickelodeon characters’. The device will be available for purchase in 2022.

“ViacomCBS is known for its portfolio of iconic brands that have shaped current events and pop culture for decades. Now, as we look to the future, the NickWatch marks a milestone as the first connected smart watch to harness the power of our consumer brands,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president and chief executive officer of ViacomCBS Networks International.

“This strategic product launch will leverage our IP and content to further strengthen our position as a leading commercial partner with diverse consumer touchpoints creating a new immersive experience.”

The underlying technology platform will provide a ‘direct line of communication to family and friends, promote physical activity, and help kids explore the world with confidence’. Each device will come with the smart watch body, two watch bands (one playful Nickelodeon band and one more adult, premium band) and a fun, character-led charging base.

The NickWatch will promote physical and social play activities, encouraged along the way with stories to aid imaginative play. Wearers will be able to play alone or with friends who have a NickWatch to set off on the same quest together. Entertainment based on Nickelodeon IP will include photo filters, motion sound effects and musical instruments that play out according to hand movements.

Content will be updated regularly with new games, stickers, sound effects, and more.

 The platform will also allow two primary modes of communication through text and voice calls. A child’s parent can text the child from their phone, and kids can respond with pre-written messages, voice to text, or emojis and photos.

The child can also call their parents and contacts within their directory, and they can receive incoming calls from pre-selected contacts. Caregivers can create group threads and can also send sticker messages, timers, reminders, photos, voice messages, and create polls.

There’s even a map feature, allowing caregivers and family members to see the location of everyone in the family via GPS and WiFi, just by downloading the app on their device.

The NickWatch by Nickelodeon has been developed in partnership with Watchinu, an Israeli technology startup, which has built and will be operating the device via a licensee agreement with VCNI.