MWC 2021: NickWatch Is A Kids Smart Watch, But With SpongeBob

The NickWatch has just been revealed as part of Mobile World Congress 2021. This smartwatch is designed for children and comes themed with all of their favorite Nickelodeon characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more.

People are more connected these days than ever before thanks to smartphones, but at what age should a person get their first phone? To make this question a little easier, smartwatches have been a popular way to allow children to communicate with their parents or caregivers and friends without all the added distractions that come with a smartphone. Add in a layer of Nickelodeon theming and the NickWatch could be a very popular item with children and their caregivers.

The NickWatch includes many features common in children's smartwatches. These include the ability to make and receive phone calls with a select list of contacts, receive text messages from a select list of contacts, respond to text messages with a selection of stock phrases, emojis, pictures or voice messages and take photos. Caregivers can send reminders, timers, pictures and voice messages to the NickWatch as well.

In addition to those basic functions, the NickWatch has a number of other features that emphasize being active and social with others who also have a NickWatch. As an added layer of security, there is also an app that will display where a paired NickWatch is on a map to keep track of those who are wearing it.

As for the Nickelodeon theming, there are fun sound effects, filters for the camera and “musical instruments” that wearers can play via hand gestures. There are also a selection of games available on the NickWatch and more are said to be coming in regular updates.

“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 smartwatch to harness the power of our consumer brands,” Raffaele Annecchino, President and Chief Executive Officer of ViacomCBS Networks International, said in a press release. “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 NickWatch will come packaged with the smartwatch body, two different watch bands, a wireless charging dock and a USB cable to plug the dock in. The NickWatch is expected to release next year. No pricing information has been announced at this time.