A mobile phone designed for pre-school children is to launch in the UK later this year.
Made by US company Firefly, the tiny "glowPhone" device features a five-button keypad that includes programmable "mom" and "dad" keys and extensive parental controls.
The dual-band GSM handset also comes with a basic 1.5-inch, 128 colour display, built-in games, customisable ringtones and wallpapers and provides 5-hours of talktime .
Up to 50 numbers can be stored in the phone book, which is PIN protected, allowing parents to limit incoming and outgoing calls . Blocking texts is also a function on some models.
The Firefly phones have already proved a hit in Ireland where over 7000 phones have been sold at a cost of £85 each, either SIM -free or through a partnership with O2 .
However, the phones four year-old target audience has caused concern amongst parental groups.
Aine Lynch, chief executive of the National Parents Council, said: "Why would kids need to be contacted by mobile phone ? Why are they not in the care of their parents, teachers or supervisors?" she said.
The glowPhone is expected to cost £85 SIM-free when it is released in the UK.
Mobile Phone For 4 Year Olds To Launch This Year
Wed, 24 Jun 2009
Recommended links
Find the best mobile phone dealsMobile phone reviews
Pay monthly mobile phone deals
SIM free phones
Firefly mobile handsets
Cheap mobile phone deals
Mobile network operators
Mobile Phone Use During Pregnancy Linked To Hyperactivity In Children
Mobile phones risk health of children
Crave launched phone for kids
Most 10-Year Olds Own a Mobile Phone
Mobiles mean parents worry less
| Mobile Phone news |
|---|
| Orange Rolls Out HD Voice Service - Wed, 01 Sep 2010 |
| O2 Launch UKs First Eco-Rating Scheme For Mobiles - Wed, 25 Aug 2010 |
| Tesco Mobile Launches Cheapest SIM-Only Tariff - Mon, 16 Aug 2010 |
| More News |





