ViacomCBS Unveils NickWatch by Nickelodeon

ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS, has debuted a connected smart NickWatch by Nickelodeon at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

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

This family-centric wearable device offers entertainment and communication features along with technology developed with VCNI's specialized tech partner. 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," says Raffaele Annecchino, president and chief executive officer, ViacomCBS Networks International. "Now, as we look to the future, the NickWatch marks a milestone as the first connected smartwatch to harness the power of our consumer brands. This strategic product launch will leverage our IP and content to strengthen further our position as a leading commercial partner with diverse consumer touchpoints creating a new immersive experience."

The NickWatch will offer children entertainment by Nickelodeon characters. The underlying technology platform will provide a direct line of communication to family and friends and aims to promote physical activity and help kids explore the world. Each device will come with the smartwatch body, two watch bands (one Nickelodeon band and one more adult, premium band) and a character-led charging base.

Entertainment based on Nickelodeon IP will include photo filters, motion sound effects and musical instruments that play out according to hand movements. Regular content updates with new games, new stickers, new sound effects and more will be added on an ongoing basis.

The platform will allow two primary modes of communication: text and voice calls. The parent or caregiver can text the child from their phone, and kids can respond with pre-written responses, voice-to-text, emojis or photos. The child can also call their parents/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.

Kids and parents can stay connected via a map feature that will allow caregivers and family members to see the current location of everyone in the family via GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular towers by downloading the app on their device.

Pricing, retail and distribution partners and market availability will be announced later by VCNI.