Garmin Vivofit Jr Tracks Kid's Activity And Motivates Them

Garmin has unveiled a new fitness tracker aimed directly at kids who want something like mom and dad wears. The tracker is called the vivofit jr and it is aimed at both tracking the activity your kids engage in and motivating them to be active and healthy. The wearable has an internal battery that is good for a year of use with 24/7 wear. That means no recharging, as you have to do with some adult trackers.

The device tracks steps, sleep, and other activities to help kids reach the recommended 60 minutes of play each day. Vivofit jr is controlled with a mobile app on the parents smartphone. The app allows parents to do things like motivate kids with fun and educational mobile adventures as well as family step challenges. The app also allows parents to assign responsibilities and agreed on rewards for completed tasks.

"We're excited to announce our first wearable just for kids – the vívofit jr.," said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. "The vívofit jr. was designed with kids and parents in mind, from its durable and comfortable band to its engaging app that motivates kids to get moving, while keeping parents involved."

Tasks that parents assign via the apps earn kids virtual coins that can be cashed in for the rewards that parents agree on. Tasks can be loaded to occur daily or weekly and personalized chores can be created. There is a timer to help motivate kids that like to put things off. Vivofit jr is aimed at kids four to nine years old and is offered in black, broken lava, digi camo, purple strike, and real flower bands for $79.99. The band fits wrists up to 145mm and an XL band accessory is available to fit 146mm to 170mm wrists. You can buy the wearable now at retailers around the country.