Bark has released a new Bark Watch for kids who aren’t ready for phones yet but still need a way to stay connected. The Bark SmartWatch offers an easy-to-use interface that gives parents flexible options to monitor and check on their kids’ safety.
Contents
Bark Watch For Kids Review
Design and Display
The Bark Watch looks like a chunky plastic with a noticeably thick bezel. But that means the AMOLED touchscreen is a decent size at 1.6 inches and is quite responsive.
Its maximum brightness is 400 nits, which can make it a bit difficult to use in bright sunlight, but it’s not impossible.
There are two physical buttons on the side of the case, a power button and an SOS button. Pressing the SOS button brings up the SOS menu, where kids can call or text emergency contacts, check their stored medical information, or call 911.
Swiping the screen left or right cycles through various apps, including the camera, clock, contact list, photo and video gallery taken with the device, messages, call history, and the settings menu (a lock function would be nice).
There is also a ‘Bark’ app that displays your child’s name and phone number. Swiping down brings up basic watch settings, such as volume and screen brightness, and swiping up brings up recent system notifications. Pressing the power button takes you back to the home screen.
Aside from these options, the Bark Watch has very little functionality. Of course, the biggest thing that makes the Bark Watch so powerful is the way parents can set it up on the backend, either by using the Bark app or logging into the Bark site via a web browser.
IP68 rated
The Bark Watch is IP68 rated, meaning it can withstand short-term (up to 1.5 meters) full-immersion in water. It’ll be more than adequate for all the kiddos’ antics, like sledding, running through sprinklers, and jumping into puddles.
However, there is no bezel protection on the screen at all. That makes me a bit concerned about the shock resistance.
Security
You can add approved contacts within the app, check your child’s current location, and set location alerts to be notified when your child arrives safely at school or a friend’s house.
Parents can also block access to the watch camera, set a password remotely, disable the device, or limit screen time.
Battery life
The brand doesn’t disclose battery life, but it does state that it has a generous 700mAh battery. However, I’ve seen several forum posts complaining that the battery doesn’t last a day.
Considering that even the top-of-the-line Apple Watch models don’t last a day, I don’t think this is necessarily a deal-breaker. However, it does mean that you’ll have to nag your child to plug it into the charger every night. There’s no sleep tracking or health sensors, so there’s no reason to wear it to bed anyway.
Other Features
Parents looking for a simple and secure wearable for their kids should consider the Bark Watch. It’s priced similarly to the competition and has all the same important features.
I was impressed with how easy it was to set up and operate, and how the GPS location tracking, emergency SOS, and various communication options all worked flawlessly.
The device itself is pretty easy to operate and well-made, although I do think the touchscreen might be a bit tricky, especially for younger users.
Screen aside, my biggest reservation about the Bark Watch is its size. The case measures 42mm x 50mm, is 15mm thick, and weighs 50g. It’s really thick!
The comparatively measures 40x32x11mm and weighs just 26g. In contrast, the Fitbit Ace LTE measures 41x34x13mm and weighs 28g.
For now, my favorite thing about the Bark Kids Watch is its laser-beam design that focuses on safety and connectivity, and its lack of unnecessary features.
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