What are smartwatches?

 A smartwatch is a smart tech device that uses software with a digital touchscreen to display dynamic content on the watch face. However, not all smartwatches are the same. While smartwatches were originally seen as a luxury purchase or status symbol, their prices have fallen rapidly in the past few years. They have become more affordable and are used by more and more kids and teens every day. But there are still inexpensive watches and expensive watches -- watches with only one basic feature and watches with dozens of advanced features, and even watches designed for specific purposes or for specific segments of the population, like kids or athletes. 

Some smartwatches collect very little sensitive data, but other smartwatches are designed to collect as much sensitive data as possible, with thousands of data points used to create a profile of the wearer. All smartwatches tell time, and most have fitness features, such as a pedometer that measures your steps throughout the day. However, more expensive smartwatches also include advanced fitness-tracking features on the watch and companion mobile application. 

Advanced features include the ability to send and receive phone calls and messages on the device, and to install third-party apps on the device and mobile application.

Smartwatches are everywhere -- there are watches that just tell time, watches that count your steps, watches that also make phone calls, watches that can install third-party apps, and watches that can use GPS to track the wearer's location at anytime. With many children and students homebound during the coronavirus pandemic, parents and educators are looking for more smart devices that can be used for entertainment, to encourage fitness activity, and to support educational learning.