Skip to main content

Smart hub keeps kids connected to parents via smartphone, boosts security

cway memoo children smart hub ces 2017 c way
Kids start pressuring their moms and dads for smartphones early on, but parents often hold off for a variety of reasons, with security usually at the top of the list. C-Way’s Memoo smart hub addresses this dilemma by providing a source for information and entertainment for kids, as well as a connection to parents’ smartphones that boosts communication and security. Parents can leave messages, as well as send alerts and reminders, and kids can call parents with voice commands.

The colorful Memoo case is hypoallergenic and shockproof. Two touchscreen interfaces aid usability, and an integrated microphone captures voice commands. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless enable connections to local or remote smartphones and other internet sources selected by parents. The hub has stereo speakers for music and storytelling and is both European Union CE and U.S. Federal Communications Commission compliant.

More: This modular drone will teach children how to code the fun way

C-Way was founded in 2013 “to create a playful link between parents and children to live and grow together safely.” The Memoo smart hub can be configured and controlled entirely by the parent’s smartphone. Parents can configure the Memoo to allow children to connect with specific family members or friends, and can also choose radio stations and Spotify playlists for their children. In addition, parents can record daily reminders and notifications. Children can also ask questions that are sent as messages to the parent’s smartphone

Memoo serves as a nightlight and the children get to pick the color. To help children get to sleep, especially when their mom and dad are traveling, the parents can record a lullaby or a favorite bedtime story so their kids’ routine isn’t interrupted. The hub uses pictograms of the sun or a raindrop to indicate the weather and colored LED lights for temperature.

Configured and controlled by parents, Memoo can serve as a child’s alarm clock, calendar, scheduler, and iPod, as well as a convenient way to send and receive messages. Memoo gives kids a way to interact with digital technology for entertainment and communication without exposing them to the wide open internet.

Bruce Brown
Digital Trends Contributing Editor Bruce Brown is a member of the Smart Homes and Commerce teams. Bruce uses smart devices…
Walmart drops prices on Google Home Hub with Nest Thermostat and Security Camera
walmart drops prices on google home hub with nest thermostat and security camera learning

Security and convenience are the most common motivators for installing smart home devices, followed by entertainment and saving money. Walmart dropped the prices on the Google Home Hub smart display bundled with either the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat or the Nest Outdoor Security Camera.

The Google Home Hub, more recently sold as the Nest Home Hub, is a smart display and smart speaker, adding visual information to audio content. The Home Hub can show you step-by-step recipe instructions, play TV shows, movies, and security camera live streams, or display your favorite photos. The Home Hub can also act as a management and control center for a wide and growing range of additional smart home devices.

Read more
Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring and Nest are responsible for some of the best video doorbells available. With easy-to-use smartphone apps, simple installation processes, and the ability to customize your motion alerts, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Nest Doorbell have quickly established themselves as two of the best video doorbells money can buy.

But what exactly is the difference between these two popular gadgets? And which is better for your smart home?

Read more
The best Apple HomeKit devices for 2023
A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.
Locks

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys -- allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

Read more