Cell Phones Aren’t Kids Play Anymore

Verizon Wireless and Cingular have dropped their kid-oriented cell phones, the Migo and Firefly respectively. 

 

Despite a strong push towards developing the children’s market, both the Migo and Firefly had some distinct issues to contend with.  While the intent was noble, the lack of a typical keypad could be seen as a hindrance to operation. Most kids from kindergarten on are well versed in using a computer, let alone a cell phone. So limiting the buttons in an attempt to create boundaries for these kids is counterproductive. Standard cell phone designs seem to be preferred.

 

An example of this point can be seen with the Migo in particular. Parents have expressed a preference for the LG 3450L flip phone. Why? The LG offers text messaging, a popular choice of communication for kids. More importantly though, the LG supports Verizon’s Chaperone service, a way for parents to keep track of their child’s whereabouts.

 

[Via RCR Wireless]