HFR’s my5G solution enables very simple seamless 5G business structure and enables enterprises and public institutions that are promoting AI innovation to conveniently subscribe to services at a low cost through 5G (including WiFi and IoT). With large multi-cell base station virtualized on a small server, my5GBox enables businesses to use regular internet lines or Low Earth Orbit satellite internet lines without using expensive high-speed leased lines. HFR provides a service operation center (SOC) that enables small organizations to fully provide and manage the costs of Private 5G and various application services. HFR is responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of network equipment on-site through its Network Operation Center (NOC) service.
HK Jung, General Manager of HFR’s Private Mobile Group, expressed a strong commitment by stating, “Our goal is to make AI innovation available to small and medium-sized enterprises who have limited investment and operational capabilities. We will accomplish this by providing affordable, convenient, and secure solutions that will allow these businesses to easily adopt 5G technology. Furthermore, we plan to assist public institutions in creating a smarter and safer society.”
HFR has supplied my5G solutions to several companies and public organizations, including the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company and the Japan Railway Agency, and has signed business partner agreements with NEC-affiliated system integration companies in Japan as well as a memorandum of understanding with KT in Korea.
This afternoon, the global association, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum announced the results of its Board elections. The Board represents the diversity of businesses, regions, and markets of the mobile ecosystem.
Elections have been taking place over the last two weeks and the results were announced at the MEF Global Forum taking place at Casa Lotja in Barcelona during MWC 2024.
There were four positions up for election, and the newly elected Directors are:
Anurag Aggarwal – Chief Revenue Officer, Enterprise Business at GMS
Dr. Marco Lafrentz – Vice President, Business and Market Development at NetNumber
Robert Gerstmann – Chief Evangelist & Co-Founder at Sinch
Amira Akra – Product Manager, Messaging at Vodafone Germany
They will join existing Board members:
Jason Lunn – Global Connectivity and CPaaS at Cisco, UK
Rajiv Singla – CEO Global Messaging at Globe TeleServices, India
Waheed Adam – Executive Chairman of iTouch Messaging Services, South Africa
Valeria Magoni – Senior Director, Product and Corporate Marketing, Kaleyra in Italy
Dario Betti – CEO, Mobile Ecosystem Forum
Rafael Pellon – Partner, Pellon de Lima Advogados
Tim Ward, VP Number Information Services at Xconnect, UK
Each new Board member serves a two-year term on the MEF Board, whose role is to shape the strategy and governance of MEF activities globally. Over the coming year the role and future opportunities associated with messaging will be a key focus, alongside antifraud, privacy and consumer trust.
Voting took place online and all full members were eligible to vote. There were 10 candidates for the four positions.
Each candidate submitted a short video outlining what they can offer the Board, and MEF members voted for their preferred candidates.
“I am thrilled to welcome our four new Board members and look forward to working with them over the coming year to help address the challenges and opportunities in the mobile ecosystem. I’d like to say a personal thanks to our departing Board members Jimmy Jones and Matteo Gatta, and in particular, to Andrew Bud who is a founder of MEF and has been the Chairman of the Board for the last 16 years.
“MEF’s Board plays a central role in setting the strategy for the organisation and ensuring good governance. It is important that the MEF Board reflects its members with a wide range of expertise, both in terms of sector and geography.” commented Dario Betti, CEO of MEF.
The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) is a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions. https://mobileecosystemforum.com/
The new and re-elected Board members will start their tenure on March 12th when the first meeting of the new Board takes place.
Niryo, a pioneer in the field of collaborative robotics, today launches Niryo Studio, a revolutionary application that simplifies the use of robots like never before. With this new software, no need to be a technology expert to try out robotics. The essence of Niryo lies in the democratization of Industry 4.0. which promotes harmonious interaction between man and machine.
A fluid and intuitive user experience
Niryo Studio is a revolution in robotic programming, offering a seamless user experience. Instant connection and configuration of Niryo’s NED2 robot in just a few minutes greatly simplifies the use of collaborative robotics. It’s even possible to connect all external devices linked to the robot and manage them from the application. With smooth navigation and guest access management, it guarantees simple, intuitive use, making access easy for teachers and students alike.Thanks to this application, anyone can learn to use a Niryo robot. The NED2 robot can be used for a wide range of applications, from programming practice to an introduction to artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0, or to reproduce real-life work situations. Just like a simple software program on your computer, Niryo Studio makes this variety of applications even simpler.
In addition to robot control, Niryo Studio offers 3D visualization of all previously connected components with its Unity tool. Combined with the Direct Move tool, this feature enables precise adjustment of robot positions, simplifying object handling and, more generally, providing the most precise robot operation.
Programming becomes child’s play
Niryo Studio’s integrated Python IDE marks a significant step forward in simplifying the programming process. This feature allows users to code directly in the Python language, offering a powerful alternative to programmers. It is also possible to transform a program coded in Blockly into Python, making it even easier to learn the world’s most widely used programming language. This new feature also makes it quicker and easier to connect to the robot. Combined with the application’s Blockly tool, the creation of complex programs becomes child’s play, helping to make collaborative robotics accessible to a wider audience. What’s more, the ability to save, play, modify and replay the programs created leaves room for unrivalled flexibility for users.
Niryo Studio redefines the use of its NED2 robot, offering advanced functionalities while maintaining a user-friendly interface. This new application bears witness to Niryo’s ongoing commitment to making collaborative robotics accessible to all, thus stimulating innovation in the field.
Dell Technologies will introduce the broadest portfolio of commercial AI laptops and mobile workstations designed to bring organizations and employee productivity into the AI era.
“The next generation of PCs is emerging at a pivotal time – with upcoming refresh cycles and new capabilities on the PC creating the perfect storm,” said Patrick Moorhead, founder and CEO of Moor Insights & Strategy. “Dell’s commercial AI PCs and workstations, coupled with its ecosystem of peripherals, software and services, offer an AI continuum designed to enhance the user experience today and set organizations up for success in the future.”
“Every company that wants to remain competitive will have to implement AI in some way, and AI PCs will be central to that,” said Sam Burd, president, Client Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. “From running complex AI workloads on workstations to using day-to-day AI-powered applications on laptops, the AI PC will be an important investment that pays dividends in productivity and paves the way to a smarter, more efficient future. Dell’s advantage starts with offering more AI PCs across the commercial portfolio from day one, giving customers the ability to start future proofing for AI today.”
AI PCs for hybrid work
The neural processing unit (NPU)–equipped AI PC will grow from nearly 50 million units in 2024 to more than 167 million in 2027, representing nearly 60% of all PC shipments worldwide.[ii] The NPU adds an AI acceleration engine that can take on more dedicated AI tasks, freeing up the CPU and GPU to do other things. This creates a more responsive experience and enhances performance, security, battery life and productivity.
Dell provides the world’s most intelligent, manageable and secure commercial PCs.[iii] With a new line-up of Latitude laptops and Precision mobile workstations, Dell will offer customers the broadest portfolio of commercial AI laptops and mobile workstations, from entry-level to ultra-premium laptops and workstation options. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel vPro®, Dell commercial PCs drive AI workloads and unlock new levels of productivity and efficiencies. For example, employees can now:
Collaborate more effectively. Combining the benefits of the NPU to offload capabilities like auto-framing, background blur and eye-tracking with the power efficiency of Intel Core Ultra processors, gives workers up to 38% more battery life and valuable working time in a day packed with Zoom calls.[iv]
Create content faster. By distributing AI processing across the CPU, GPU and now NPU, users can create generative AI images over five times faster with Stable Diffusion,[v] a text-to-image model.
Work more securely in a hybrid work environment. More ISVs will continue to build applications for the AI PC. For example, Dell is working with CrowdStrike and Intel to offload security functions onto the device via the NPU. This provides more comprehensive threat detection, helping customers swiftly detect malicious sites and security vulnerabilities with reduced latency compared to cloud-based solutions.
Stay in the flow of work. The portfolio features Windows 11 and a Copilot key to make it even easier to get things done and stay in the flow of work. With the press of a key, you can have faster access to your everyday AI companion.
AI-powered, automated services
Building on years of industry leadership in proactive, predictive automation as well as expert advice and managed services, new Dell Services capabilities help customers:
Maximize PC uptime and improve productivity with new self-healing capabilities through the ProSupport Suite for PCs. Customers who connect to Dell’s SupportAssist technology can leverage telemetry and AI to fix PC issues without human intervention. This lets IT activate Dell-authored scripts to autonomously correct blue screen errors, thermal issues and more across their entire fleet of PCs.
Keep PC fleet refreshes on track and on budget with Dell’s managed services. When customers need new AI devices, Dell provides detailed planning, forecasting and supply chain management to enable timely, targeted multi-vendor device rollouts.
Adopt and maximize GenAI investments with Digital Employee Experience Services for Gen AI. These services equip employees with the tools and technology tailored for their diverse roles.
Product spotlights
Dell’s new Latitude portfolio (link to blog) includes the Latitude 7350 Detachable, the world’s most collaborative commercial detachable,[vi] giving professionals the freedom to work fully docked at the desk or on-the-go as a tablet or laptop. It features the best user-facing 8MP HDR camera amongst other detachables[vii] for high-quality picture in challenging lighting conditions. The fully refreshed portfolio features updates across 5000, 7000 and 9000 series, including the Latitude 7350/7450 Ultralights, the world’s lightest 13.3” and 14” premium commercial laptops.[viii]
Dell’s new mobile and fixed Precision workstations (link to blog) meet the performance needs of power users, developers and beyond. As the global leader in workstations,[ix] Precision provides the power to run complex AI workloads securely and cost effectively on the PC. Integrated into new Precision mobile workstations are NVIDIA RTX™ 500 and 1000 Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, helping deliver the AI capabilities and enterprise reliability to work from anywhere, while the Precision 3280 Compact Form Factor (CFF) is a new space-saving form factor built for light AI development and creative applications.
Dell’s most intelligent headset portfolio in its class[x] includes five new headsets. The Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset (WL7024) features AI-based noise canceling microphones that distinguishes human speech signals from background noises from both the user and their audience and adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on the user’s environment. The advanced smart sensor intelligently performs tasks like mute/unmute, pause/play as long as either earcup is lifted, while intuitive touch controls tailor the audio experience.
Accelerating the circular economy
As a leader in circular design, Dell addresses the full lifecycle – from increasing the use of recycled materials and minerals in products, to making devices easier to repair and responsibly recycle.
The new Latitude devices are the world’s first commercial PCs to use recycled cobalt in their batteries.[xi]
Inspired by Concept Luna, the Latitude 7350 Detachable is the world’s most serviceable commercial detachable[xii] featuring a serviceable display panel and making it easier to repair and prolonging its use.
As organizations refresh their devices to optimize AI capabilities, Dell recovery and recycling services help customers properly retire their IT equipment to divert e-waste from landfills, keeping products and materials in circulation for longer.
Availability
Latitude 7350 Detachable will be available in Q2.
Precision 3280 CFF (Compact Form Factor) will be available on March 26.
Precision mobile workstations will be available on March 12.
Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset (WL7024) will be available in China on March 29and rest of world on April 14.
ProSupport Suite for PCs with self-healing capabilities is available globally by the end of April.
Digital Employee Experience Services for GenAI are available globally.
Managed Services for device refresh are available in the US and EMEA on March 15.
Revolut, the global fintech with over 35 million customers worldwide, is launching a new alternative to the traditional savings product in Ireland: Flexible Accounts is a smart way for customers to get the most out of their money in times of increasing cost of living. The new Revolut product offers existing and new customers full flexibility, with variable rates of return from 3.50% to 3.95%1 on EUR, the ability to top up and withdraw funds anytime (subject to T&Cs) with smart features including spare change round-ups and recurring transfers, to help them reach their money goals even faster.
When adding money to a Flexible Account, customers are investing in Money Market Funds — offering rates in line with money market rates meaning that, when central bank interest rates are high, Money Market Funds typically offer higher return rates than traditional savings accounts. Customer investments are insured by the Liabilities to Investors Insurance Scheme up to €22,000 (investment risks are excluded from the coverage)2.
Customers will be able to move the money they want to invest into a ‘Flexible Account’ and earn returns overnight. Customers can invest money into their Flexible Accounts selecting between three currencies – EUR, GBP and USD – and hold multiple Flexible Accounts at the same time. The rates of return vary depending on the currency and the subscription plan of the customer. For example, Ultra customers will get up to 3.95% APY for EUR investments, 5.25% APY for GBP and 5.45% APY for USD1. Annual returns are paid daily and customers have the ability to top up and withdraw funds at any time (T&Cs apply).
Albert Codorniu, Head of Savings: “Stretching your savings and making your money go further has never been more important. We’re delighted to offer a product that will help people get the most out of their money. Our Irish customers now have a flexible way to invest their savings in EUR, USD, and GBP, with the convenience of accessing their money whenever needed.
To open a Flexible Account, customers will need to:
Tap on “Savings” in the Revolut app
Tap on “Get started”
Select and confirm currency of the Flexible Account
Accept T&C and sign up for Flexible Accounts by onboarding to Revolut Securities Europe UAB
HMD has today revealed what life will look like as Human Mobile Devices. As part of its evolution, HMD is about making phones that are affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable. Or, to keep it simple, they help you get what you need without breaking the bank. That means creating devices that help tackle human tech challenges like e-waste and digital fatigue and make your life that little bit better.
In short, the makers of Nokia phones since 2016 will create new HMD original devices, continue to sell Nokia phones, and work with exciting partners you definitely know as part of a multi-brand vision.
“In our seven-year journey, collaboration and support has allowed us to achieve so much. And we have plans to do so much more as we introduce the world to the new HMD. We want to be a catalyst for positive and profitable change by embracing a multi-brand strategy: crafting new HMD original devices, creating Nokia phones and collaborating with well- known global partners.” Jean-Francois Baril, HMD Co-founder, Chairman and CEO
Transformation to profit
For the first time ever, the mobile market declined two years in a row in the face of challenging economic conditions, yet HMD bucked the trend thanks to its major transformation project allowing for a significant improvement in operational profitability YoY in 20231. This success is all thanks to fresh, energetic leadership, a sharp focus on strategy, staying nimble, and getting better at keeping costs down.
Repping repair-at-home devices this summer
E-waste is one of today’s most important issues for tech makers and tech users. HMD crafts phones that don’t just turn heads, but also aim to be kinder to the planet and your bank balance.
We make award winning repairable devices (we didn’t say it, TIME Magazine did2) and phones that last longer. HMD is pushing boundaries to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone.
Did you know on average 66% of people in the UK currently live with a smashed screen?3 In Europe and ANZ, repairable devices made up 1:4 of HMD smartphone sales in 20234. This year we expect that to grow to 3:4 devices in Europe and ANZ and we expect half of the smartphone devices we sell globally to be repairable.
This summer, HMD repairability goes to the next level, substantially reducing the number of steps it takes to fix the screen. You can say goodbye to phone separation due to a broken screen and get swept up in the ‘FIY’ (Fix it Yourself) movement.
“One year ago, we introduced our first repairable phone to a great response. 12 months on, we are determined to continue to push the boundaries to reimagine repairability. As more and more people seek out easy to repair devices so they can keep their phone longer – and save hassle or delays when fixes are needed – we’re excited to make that process as easy as possible, starting this summer.”
James Robinson, HMD VP Europe, Americas and Enterprise
Purposefully leaving a lot to the imagination
HMD is all about human innovation. That means making normally expensive digital tools globally accessible and affordable. Whether that’s introducing new payment options to feature phones or adding microfinancing capabilities to smartphones, HMD already has a tradition of human innovation with purpose.
This summer, we are launching a smartphone that is a platform for innovation, making technology more accessible to more communities around the world.
Today, we are releasing a first version toolkit for developers and businesses, which contains design files and information on software integration, that is available now on our website. We are embracing open innovation, making sure people and businesses can augment their phone to fit their needs.
We want to champion many people’s creativity- which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless.
These could be as simple as a fashionable outfit, an outfit with an extended battery, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment, it really is a blank canvas for creativity.
Multi-brand for the things you expect, and the things you don’t
As Human Mobile Devices, HMD aims to redefine screen time, champion repairability, and forge meaningful partnerships as part of a multi-brand vision.
You’ll continue to see Nokia phones and we will bring back an iconic phone this summer. You’ll also see a stellar line up of exciting new brands coming to you this year.
“Our commitment to human-centred innovation has spurred our expansion, unlocking new prospects for us and our collaborators, and has been a driving force behind our adoption of a multi-brand strategy. We take pride working with remarkable partners and are excited about extending our collaborative efforts with dynamic new partners like Mattel. Barbie and HMD are on a mission to shake things up with a new flip phone coming this summer”.
Lars Silberbauer, HMD CMO
Speaking of which…
Hi, Barbie!
As we venture into new partnerships, HMD will be guided by its core values, seeking collaborations that resonate with its mission. On that note, *drumroll please*, it is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mattel and with Barbie, highlighting our joint dedication to shake things up, empower connections and enable some quiet amidst digital noise and interruptions.
The Barbie Flip Phone will arrive this summer 2024. Promising style, nostalgia and a much-needed digital detox, this retro feature phone will flip the script on smartphone culture and will be this summer’s hottest accessory.
Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”
Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest and leading smartphone manufacturer, partners with Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, to create the Barbie Flip Phone arriving this summer 2024.
Barbie is an icon of design, from the chevron stripes of No. 1 Barbie released in 1959 to the bold styling of Totally Hair Barbie which hit the market in 1992. This device promises to embody the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand with a dash of pink and of course, sparkle.
Human Mobile Devices Chief Marketing Office, Lars Silberbauer, said: “Is it time to swap reel life for real life and take a breather from all the interruptions of notifications? We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel, a company that shares our commitment to meaningful innovation and societal change.”
Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”.
Flip phones are beloved for offering a solution for a digital detox in a world where almost four in ten (38%) of 16-24 year-olds worry they spend too much time on their smartphone. In the US alone, a third of Gen Z are actively trying to limit time on social media, and their fear of missing out (FOMO) is creeping down. Gen Z are the only generation whose daily time on social media has fallen since Q1 2021 for the better. Since 2021 talking to friends online dropped 13%, while seeing friends in-person increased to 28%.
Feature phones are on the rise as Gen Z and millennials are choosing to limit their screen time for their own mental health. Self-named ‘screenagers’ took to TikTok with #bringbackflipphones garnering 60.2 million views.
But it’s not just a generational shift, it’s a cultural movement. The great switch-off trend, initiated in 2021, is gaining momentum as people of all ages seek balance in an increasingly digital world. Feature phones are making a comeback with HMD reporting Flip Phone sales alone more than doubled in Europe (2022 vs 2023) and expects further growth in 2024.
Even celebrities are jumping on board, with Michael Cera, opting for a flip phone lifestyle.
Arne Mathiasen, advocate of the feature phone movement works with young people in Denmark to help them switch off and enjoy the present. So far he has converted over 1500 university students from a smartphone to a feature phone. He said: “My students take part in experiments where they switch to a feature phone for ten days. The students noticeably chatted more with each other, reported better sleep and also said their anxiety levels dropped. It’s all about the balance; I like to say to my students, use your smartphone like a tablet, use it for what you need, then put it away, don’t get lost in it.”
CRKD, the new premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitr Deck and the recently announced NEO, announced today the Nitro Deck+, an all-new addition to the Nitro Deck range bringing more features, more innovation, and more power to Switch gamers everywhere.
An ingenious all-in-one controller solution for Nintendo Switch and OLED switch consoles, Nitro Deck delivers zero stick drift and offers a feature-rich, precise way to enjoy Switch gaming in handheld mode. Featuring the same comfortable footprint as the original Nitro Deck, the Nitro Deck+ introduces a raft of new features, designed to make Switch gaming better than ever.
Proudly announced today as part of the IGN™ FanFest event, the Nitro Deck+ is the result of extensive community feedback following the release of the original Nitro Deck.
Nitro Deck+ features enhanced ergonomics, adjusting the placement of the right thumbstick, and allowing gamers to play in a more intuitive symmetrical fashion. The Nitro Deck+ can now connect directly to a TV with no need for an external dock! Featuring an integrated USB-C output and complete with an included USB-C to HDMI adaptor, gamers can switch between handheld and TV play without ever needing to remove their Switch console from Nitro Deck+, a quick, slick solution with no need to compromise!
On the front of the Nitro Deck+ to either side of the thumbsticks, two new ‘Sidekick’ buttons have been added, delivering even more customization options. Designed to work in conjunction with the new symmetrical thumbstick configuration, the Sidekick buttons are pre-programmed to replicate the A and B action button commands, allowing for super-fast operation. Replicating the most commonly used action buttons, facilitating speedier reaction times, and when used in combination with the additional re-mappable back buttons that are now mapped to X, Y, A, B out the box, the Nitro Deck+ allows gamers to play faster, score higher and elevate their handheld experience.
The new easy eject system allows for simple removal of the Switch console from the Nitro Deck+ allowing gamers to safely remove their console with no need to touch or add stress to the screen while removing.
Nitro Deck+ has also received an upgraded, adjustable rumble system, delivering more immersion and intense vibration which can be adjusted to suit the gamers’ preference. In addition, Bluetooth® has also been added to the Nitro Deck+, to allow for easy communication to the CRKD App for firmware updates. In the future, the App will include a full suite of customization options including button programming, adjustable trigger sensitivity, and more. The Nitro Deck + can connect via its defaulted USB-C wired connection or via Bluetooth when the switch is inserted into the deck.
The Nitro Deck+ adds these new features without removing any of what made the original Nitro Deck such a beloved product. The full list of features present on Nitro Deck+ include:
Ergonomically Built with All-New Thumbstick Placement
Zero Stick Drift Made Possible Via Hall-Effect Sensors
HDMI Output for TV Play (Play While Docked)
Re-mappable Back Buttons
Programmable Sidekick Buttons
Adjustable Trigger Sensitivity
Low Latency Response (direct connection via USB-C)
Bluetooth Connection (To update firmware via app)
Swappable Stick Tops
Adjustable Vibration Feedback
Gyro Compatible for Motion Control Games
No Deadzone Mode
Turbo Mode (Add Turbo Functionality to any Action or Trigger Button)
Pass-through Charging Feature
Use as an Extra Controller
Easy Eject System
Integrated Display Stand
Connects to the CRKD Companion App (True Collection System)
Commenting on the announcement of the Nitro Deck+, Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager for CRKD said, “The Nitro Deck marked our first product release which was warmly received by both gamer and critic. We were taken aback with the positive response, and actively welcomed feedback from our CRKD community to guide us in how the Nitro Deck should evolve. The Nitro Deck+ is a direct response to the feedback we gathered, and we can’t wait to see how gamers respond. Continuing, Jack commented, “At CRKD we’re committed to bringing gamers high-quality, disruptive products that elevate both the gaming and collectible experience. We can’t wait to continue to surprise the community as we build the range further in the months and years to come.”
The Nitro Deck+ is now available for pre-order, available in two colors: Clear Black and Clear White. Both will retail for: $69.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 with early pre-orders expected to begin shipping from late April 2024. Secure yours today at: https://go.crkd.gg/ndplus
Smartphones play a vital role when it comes to safety, independence and convenience for pre and early teens according to UK parents, reveals new data today. According to the research, the majority of parents feel kids should have a phone by age 13, and 67% rank safety and security as the number one reason for providing their child with a mobile phone, far outpacing other factors such as educational needs, convenience, and social lives.
The new insights from family locator app and safety membership platform Life360 reveal that despite many spending their youth ‘playing out’ and pulling ‘all-nighters’ with pals, times are a-changing, and the same can’t be said for how they parent their own offspring. Two-thirds of UK parents with kids aged 13 and under describe themselves as more anxious than their parents were and often take more precautions than their parents did.
These UK parents with children aged 13 and under, commonly referred to as ‘Gen Alpha’, say their parents left them home alone (67%), let them travel to school without adult supervision (81%), and go out with friends unsupervised (67%) when they were children.
But now they are parents themselves, most are less likely to allow their own children to do unsupervised life activities before their teenage years (60%, 73%, and 59% for the situations outlined, respectively).
In the age of digitally native families, many are embracing technology as a means to provide peace of mind when it comes to modern-day parenting and feel reassured that it is easier to keep track of kids than it was when they were younger.
Of parents whose children have smartphones, an overwhelming majority seek reassurance by actively using location-sharing technology, and many agree it makes them significantly more likely to allow their children to do major activities like travel to and from school (86%) and go into town or to shopping centres with friends (86%) unsupervised. In terms of other areas of smartphone usage, just 30% were opposed to their child using social media.
In light of growing parental concerns, parenting expert Kirsty Ketley has been commissioned by Life360 to develop tips for parents on how to encourage children’s independence in the safest way.
She says: “Today, our parenting styles are shaped by the complexities of the modern world. While our parents had their own challenges to navigate, we now face additional considerations such as social media, knife crime, and county/local lines. These factors add to the complexity of fostering independence in our children when they are away from home.
“Apps are a very normal part of the modern world, and using a location-sharing app is a great way for children to allow their parents to know their whereabouts without having to ring or send messages, while also giving parents peace of mind. Of course, children need to know that they are being tracked, but rules can be put in place – jointly made by kids and parents. This way, children can still have their privacy and independence while knowing their parents are there should they need them.”
Even among the 40% of respondents whose children do not have a mobile phone, most say they will require active location sharing when the time comes (87%) and more than half of those will require it always (57%). The majority of parents rate location-sharing technology as necessary in two main cases; for contacting emergency services and when their child is travelling without a parent or guardian.
David Rice, International GM and CSO for Life360, said: “We commissioned this research to understand real-life concerns of UK parents and the steps they take to feel reassured about their children’s safety. The findings reinforce the fact that using location-sharing apps can provide families with a sense of security about each other’s safety and whereabouts whilst opening lines of communication, improving trust and allowing kids more freedom.
“It’s beneficial for tweens and teens to have access to smartphones as this technology often becomes an integral part of day-to-day family life across multiple generations and, in some cases, vital in emergency situations.”
