VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL (VCNI) UNVEILS
NICKWATCH BY NICKELODEON
Launching in 2022, this Family-Focused Connected Smart Watch is the
First to Harness the Power of Nickelodeon’s Iconic Brand
NEW YORK/BARCELONA — June 29, 2021 — ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA), today unveiled the first ever connected smart NickWatch by Nickelodeon at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
This new innovative family-centric wearable device offers trusted entertainment and communication features along with innovative technology, developed with VCNI’s specialized tech partner. The device will be available for purchase in 2022.
“ViacomCBS is known for its portfolio of iconic brands that have shaped current events and pop culture for decades. Now, as we look to the future, the NickWatch marks a milestone as the first connected smart watch to harness the power of our consumer brands. This strategic product launch will leverage our IP and content to further strengthen our position as a leading commercial partner with diverse consumer touchpoints creating a new immersive experience,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President and Chief Executive Officer of ViacomCBS Networks International.
The NickWatch will offer children independence in addition to a robust entertainment offering fueled by beloved Nickelodeon characters. The underlying technology platform will provide a direct line of communication to family and friends, promote physical activity, and help kids explore the world with confidence. Each device will come with the smart watch body, two watch bands (one playful Nickelodeon band and one more adult, premium band) and a fun, character-led charging base.
The NickWatch is designed to foster healthy communication by bringing families together, while nurturing a sense of independence and helping children to explore the world confidently, with the knowledge that their caregivers are just one tap away.
The Power of Play: Entertainment to Inspire Imagination
The product will encourage kids to have a healthy lifestyle by promoting physical and social play activities with just enough story to inspire the imagination. Kids can play alone or with friends who have a NickWatch to set off on the same quest together.
Entertainment based on iconic Nickelodeon IP will include fun and goofy photo filters, motion sound effects and musical instruments that play out according to hand movements. Regular content updates with new games, new stickers, new sound effects, and more will be added on an ongoing basis.
Communication to Keep Kids and Parents Connected
The platform will allow two primary modes of communication: text and voice calls. The parent or caregiver can text the child from their phone, and kids can respond with pre-written responses, voice-to-text, emojis, or photos. The child can also call their parents/contacts within their directory, and they can receive incoming calls from pre-selected contacts. Caregivers can create group threads and can also send sticker messages, timers, reminders, photos, voice messages, and create polls.
Kids and parents can stay connected via a map feature that will allow caregivers and family members to see the current location of everyone in the family via GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular towers, simply downloading the app on their device.
The NickWatch by Nickelodeon has been developed in partnership with Watchinu, an Israeli technology startup, which has built and will be operating the device via a licensee agreement with VCNI.
Pricing, retail and distribution partners, as well as market availability, will be announced at a later date by VCNI.
About ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI)
ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), is comprised of many of the world’s most iconic consumer brands. Its portfolio includes Channel 5, Telefe, Network 10, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network, as well as streaming services Paramount+ and Pluto TV, and ViacomCBS International Studios, among others. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS Networks International provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.
About Nickelodeon International
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, available in nearly 400 million households across 180 countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC). For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc.
About Watchinu
Watchinu, an Israeli technology startup, which if focused on developing unique hardware/software experiences and solutions in the realms of wearables and IoT. The NickWatch is the first in line of products that put people and experience in the center. Watchinu was founded by two companies, Trackimo and Beta. Trackimo is a world-leading IoT solutions developer, specializing in devices and cloud-platforms of tracking technology and wearables. Beta is a tech entertainment and gaming powerhouse.
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From Mobile World Live:
Viacom pushes media play with smartwatch
LIVE FROM MWC21 BARCELONA: Media heavyweight ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) unveiled its first smartwatch, in partnership with TV company Nickelodeon, a move which the former’s president and CEO Raffaele Annecchino (pictured, right) believes strengthens its position across the connectivity ecosystem.
Annecchino announced the launch of NickWatch during his MWC21 keynote, stating it had been made specifically for the youth market, offering a range of entertainment features which tap into the company’s wide portfolio of media assets.
VCNI said the device would offer children independence and entertainment offerings fuelled by Nickelodeon characters. The underlying technology platform also promoted physical activity and social play, in addition to games, sound effects and music features.
The platform will also allow text, voice calls and maps for parents to track their children.
It will be available to purchase in 2022 and Annecchino described the move as a “milestone” to harness the power of both companies’ respective brands.
“This strategic product launch will leverage our IP and content to further strengthen our position as a leading commercial partner with diverse consumer touchpoints creating a new immersive experience.”
5G crucial
Appearing in a fireside chat alongside GSMA Ltd CEO John Hoffman (pictured, left), Annecchino also spoke about the impact of 5G on the media industry, stating he was excited about the way connectivity would “define the future of entertainment”.
He explained 5G opened up thousands of new opportunities to engage with customers, tapping into immersive action, AR and VR, smart venue production, better interaction with talent and opening up revenue opportunities with partners.
Annecchino highlighted collaborations with telecoms operators, which he explained was increasing as a result of greater streaming activity, describing them as “video aggregators”. Stronger partnerships with the sector was “critical” for Viacom’s business, he added.
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Originally published: June 29, 2021 at 17:50 BST.
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