Children really do grow up way too fast. Where has the time gone? I now have an 8 year old and a 5 year old, but it seems like just yesterday I was rocking them to sleep as babies. Unfortunately, time isn't going to slow down and each day they will become more independent. I'm already stressing about the day they get their drivers licenses and head out on their own. Until then, I can keep them close by, but also give them a sense of freedom with Relay Go.
What exactly is Relay? It is basically a smartphone but without a screen. Relay is ideal for kids 5-11 and is easy to use just like a walkie talkie, but it works everywhere because it's powered by 4G-LTE - just like a phone. With Relay, you don't have to worry about your kids watching scary Youtube videos, being exposed to inappropriate content, cyber bullying, and there's no social media to connect with strangers. With Relay you get all of the benefits of a cell phone, without having to worry about the risks of screen time and internet use with young kids. Yet it does have the most important feature parents need, communication and the ability to talk to each other- voice to voice. Relay is also safe as the device comes with built in GPS tracking, so parents can always know where their child is. There is also an SOS feature for emergency situations. The SOS feature allows the child to push a button on the device which then alerts your cell phone of an SOS call. You can see the child's exact location of where they made the SOS alert and is a great feature if there is a situation where the child could not call, but needed to get a hold of a parent.
Relay set up is super easy. After purchasing the device, a parent can download the app on their smartphone and the app will go through the steps to connect the smartphone with the Relay device. After it’s connected, you are then able to talk directly to your child from your phone. Relay is able to communicate directly with other Relay devices as well as smartphones. I connected two relay devices with my phone and my husband's phone. You have the ability to either talk to one device at a time or you can create a group to talk to some or all of the users. The free app works just like another Relay, so mom/dad doesn't necessarily need one to keep in touch with their kids. Relay also captures missed messages, kind of like a voicemail, so you won't miss an important message. We are always on the go between ninja classes, hockey games, work, school, and so on. The Relay will be a great communicator while we are at my kid's and husband's hockey games. They boys like to run around the rinks with their friends while we chat with the parents. This gives us a way to communicate with our kids while they are having fun and puts us at ease knowing we can contact them if needed. It is always a great way to communicate while attending parties/events this holiday season. Leave the kids at home with a babysitter, but still be able to talk to them and tell the goodnight while getting away for the evening.
Relay is $49.99 for the device plus $9.99/month (per device) for the monthly service plan. The device is sold at Target and on Amazon.com, Target.com and RelayGo.com . They also have accessories so that you the kids can wear Relay and they won't lose it! There is a loop case with a lanyard and carabiner to wear around the neck or you can clip it to a book bag or belt loop. They also have a loop case with a neoprene armband so kids can wear them on their arm or wrist - or you can get creative and attach it their bike/scooter for easy communication. We first started off with the kids keeping the Relays in their pockets, but decided the lanyard is the way to go. The Relay is water resistant and made for play with a rugged design.
Relay has channels, like apps, to make the product more fun and engaging. The channels include Music (create a playlist from your favorite mp3s, and load Christmas carols onto your Relay to get into the holiday spirit), Translate (speak English into the Relay and listen as your words are repeated back in the language of your choice from a list of over a dozen languages), Joke of the Day (have fun on the run with a new kid-friendly joke delivered to your Relay every day), Echo (a voice changer with sound effects that transform anything you say into your Relay into something funnier), and more coming all the time. Geofencing is now available! You are able to set up a radius around a specific point and receive app alerts when your Relay enters or leaves that location.
Relay's mix of easy, screen-free communication and location tracking makes it the perfect gift for parents AND kids. Parents get peace of mind, while their kids get more independence. I'm seriously thinking of getting another Relay for my 72 year old Mom because smartphones just confuse her and I find it hard to get in touch with her when needed. Let's face it, the world can be a scary place, but with Relay, we can communicate with ease and are able to track locations when needed.
Check out this great device to keep in contact with your family, you will not be disappointed. And now you can have piece of mind too!
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* I was compensated and received a free product for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own.
