Qihoo 360 unveils smartwatch to protect teens

Qihoo 360 launches a "smartwatch" that is able to help parents locate their children. [Photo by Zhang Wei/Asianewsphoto]

At a time when many global consumer electronics giants are busying making wearable devices the next big thing in the world, a Chinese Internet company unveiled on Tuesday its first "wearable device", which is designed with safety in mind.

China's Qihoo 360, a New York-listed Internet security company, has expanded its business from securing Internet and mobile networks to protecting children by launching a "smartwatch" that is able to help parents locate their children.

"We want to provide high-tech products that are truly in need, and we think this product can help parents protect their children from human trafficking and other tragic accidents," said Zhou Hongyi, chief executive officer of Qihoo, adding he doesn't think there is a "rigid demand" for trendy smart glasses or smart watches.

Zhou, a father of two, said that the rising number of tragic accidents involving children in China is the main reason his company has developed the device, which targets children between the ages of 3 and 13.

After downloading an app from Qihoo 360, parents can get a real-time location of their children if they are wearing the e-gadget. They can also receive an alert when their children enter into an area that is not within their usual commute route from home to school.

What's more, after sending a request, the watch can record the sounds and send a 15-second voice message to parents to check if their children are in danger.

Zhou wants to make the watch a non-profit project since it involves children's safety. He said the watches will be sold at the price of their production cost.

According to the company, Qihoo 360's watch is expected to hit the market in mid-December, and the retail price is expected to be no more than 200 yuan ($30).