Instant updates, GPS tracking, video calls: Smartwatch helps you reach your child without a phone

Straits Times

26-06-2025

Built for adventure, the imoo X10 is swim-proof, tested to withstand depths of up to 20 metres, so it can be worn in the pool, during a shower, and handle everyday splashes. PHOTO: IMOO
BRANDED CONTENT Instant updates, GPS tracking, video calls: Smartwatch helps you reach your child without a phone The imoo Watch Phone X10 is built with all-day location viewing, secure messaging and full parental controls in one sleek, swim-resistance device
Giving your child their first smartphone is a big step, and for many parents it comes with hesitation. Is it too soon? Will they be glued to their screens? How do you keep them safe online?
That is where the imoo Watch Phone X10 comes in. Designed for kids 16 and below, this smartwatch gives children a sense of independence while keeping parents comfortably in the loop. Think of it as a stepping stone: a way for your child to learn how to stay connected with their community, without the risks of a full-fledged smartphone. Parenting influencer and imoo spokesperson Naomi Neo describes the smartwatch as a 'modern-day parenting essential.'
Since 2014, imoo has been focusing on child-friendly smartwatches. It has over 3 million active users worldwide who use its technology each month.
If you are still on the fence about introducing your child to a smartwatch, here is how the next-generation imoo X10 addresses some of the most common concerns parents have today.
'I want to know exactly where my child is.'
With the X10, you will not have to second-guess or send frantic texts when your child is not answering a call. Fitted with a dedicated positioning chip, the watch taps into multiple satellite networks to give you a precise, real-time view of your child's whereabouts – whether they are in school, at a friend's house, or at an enrichment class.
Through the imoo app, which parents and trusted adults can download on their phones, you can instantly check where your child is and receive round-the-clock live updates on their activity. You will even know how they are moving – whether they are walking, running, cycling, sitting still, or riding in a vehicle – as the watch uses built-in sensors and advanced motion-detection algorithms to automatically identify movement patterns.
If your child is starting to venture out on their own, you can set key destinations – like 'school,' 'home,' 'grandma's house,' or 'tuition class' – and the watch will instantly alert you whenever they arrive or leave the spot. You will also have access to up to 14 days of location history, making it easy to spot routines, track daily routes, or retrace steps if needed.
In indoor settings such as malls and high-rise buildings the barometric elevation sensor allows for floor-level indoor accuracy, giving you a clearer picture of which level your child is at when inside a multistorey building.
With imoo's real-time GPS tracking, parents can instantly view their child's exact location, whether they are at the playground, school, or out exploring.
PHOTO: IMOO
'A call is nice, but I want to see that my child is really okay.'
With the X10, video calls are not just about staying in touch, they are also about staying aware. The watch features two high-resolution cameras – a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera – allowing for clear high-definition video calls.
With remote dual-camera control, you can switch between the front and rear cameras during a video call letting you see both your child and their surroundings. It is a simple way to check that they are safe, or even guide them if they are lost.
Even better, the imoo app displays your child's live video feed and real-time location side by side in a smart split-screen view. That means you are not juggling between screens or guessing based on vague landmarks, you get the full picture at a glance.
The flip-and-detach design of the X10 adds a layer of flexibility you usually do not find in other kids' smartwatches. With a quick 180-degree twist and push, your child can detach the watch face from the strap, making it easier to hold it up to their ear during calls in noisy places, or to snap steadier, higher-quality handheld photos.
For parents, that means clearer visuals and better sound. And thanks to its Pamid chipset with 27 global frequency bands, the X10 will keep you well-connected both locally and overseas.
'My kid breaks everything. Will this even survive a week?'
Children are not exactly known for being gentle with their belongings, especially when it comes to tech gadgets. That is why the X10 is built with durability and real life in mind.
According to imoo, the X10 has undergone more than 150 industry-standard durability tests, including 60,000 flip tests, 60,000 rotating axis tests, 20,000 micro-drop tests and 10,000 plug-and-pull cycles. In short, it is built to withstand playground tumbles, sudden jolts, and the everyday rough-and-tumble life of an active primary schooler or tween.
The hinge on the flip screen is made from 17-4 high-strength stainless steel, which is also used in aerospace and medical tools for its toughness. According to imoo, its lab tests show that the hinge can withstand up to 6.25kg of static pressure, about the weight of two school chairs, making it highly resistant to frequent flipping.
As part of a durability test, the imoo Watch Phone X10 was frozen in ice and smashed free, yet continued to function, proving its impact-resistant design, says imoo.
PHOTO: IMOO
Unlike most traditional smartwatches, the X10 is also fully swim-proof, with an IP68 rating, tested to withstand depths of up to 20 metres. Your child can wear it in the pool, in the shower and through endless hand washes.
Beyond lab testing, imoo says the X10 has also been put through extreme real-world scenarios, such as being frozen in a block of ice and then retrieved by smashing the ice. According to imoo, despite the harsh conditions, the watch powered on and worked normally, demonstrating its ability to withstand both freezing temperatures and impact.
The imoo Watch Phone X10 also features a stain-resistant coating that easily wipes clean, whether it is juice, mud, or greasy fingers. Built to handle drops and daily wear, it stays intact through rough use. It also includes anti-bluelight screen technology to help protect your child's developing eyes.
'What if strangers try to contact my child?'
The X10 is built to keep communication safe, simple, and strictly between people your child actually knows.
Its 'Bump and Add Friends' feature allows kids to exchange contact details the old-school way – face-to-face or fist-to-fist. By bumping their watches together, children can exchange contact info instantly, ensuring they are only connecting with friends they have actually met. No usernames, no random adds, and no stranger danger.
It does not stop there. Every friend request still needs a parent's approval through the imoo app. That means you control your child's contact list, down to the last name. And with automatic blocking of all unknown callers, the X10 keeps your child in a tightly protected digital bubble.
There are no open chats, no social media apps, no exposure to online games or platforms where strangers might lurk. imoo says it has deliberately designed a purified, child-specific digital ecosystem, one that supports healthy social development without the risks of the wider internet.
When it comes to chatting with their approved friends, kids can start group chats, type out their own messages using the on-screen keyboard, or send emojis – helping them learn how to express themselves clearly and confidently.
To minimise distractions during enrichment classes or when spending time with the family, parents can activate Class Mode which will restrict access to messages and calls while still allowing communication from approved contacts only.
With its built-in health tracking features, the X10 continuously tracks heart rate, body temperature, and mood, giving parents real-time insights into their child's physical and emotional well-being.
PHOTO: IMOO
'Can it tell me how my child is doing – physically and emotionally?'
Children do not always speak up when they are feeling unwell or overwhelmed, but the X10 can help parents pick up on the signs early. With its built-in health tracking and exclusive mood monitoring, this smartwatch offers valuable insight into your child's physical condition and emotional well-being in real time.
The X10 continuously monitors your child's heart rate, body temperature, and emotional cues throughout the day. Using smart sensors, it delivers hourly mood updates, alerting you when your child is feeling happy, neutral, or down, based on subtle patterns in their behaviour.
To keep kids active, the X10 also turns fitness into fun. It comes with 10 dedicated sports modes – including running, skipping, cycling and dancing – that track a variety of movements while collecting detailed workout data. The watch logs key fitness metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and how long they were moving to keep them motivated and stay active in a fun, goal-oriented way.
And with the imoo app, parents can easily stay connected to their child's progress – offering encouragement, celebrating milestones, and supporting both their physical and emotional growth every step of the way.
According to imoo, the X10 is built with encryption protocols that comply with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that all personal data, such as location, health statistics, and communication, is securely transferred between the watch, the cloud, and the parent's app. For parents, this means greater peace of mind, knowing their child's sensitive information is protected against misuse.
The imoo X10 ($499) is available for purchase at all Popular bookstores islandwide and online at imoo Official Store .
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