Verizon adding GPS to LG Migo

Giving kids a limited-use cellphone like the LG Migo might not be the most effective way to keep track of them; after all, the kids still have to answer the phone (or -- god forbid -- call you) if you want to get in touch with them. But Verizon is reportedly about to close the loop on the Migo with a new service called Verizon Chaperone, which the company is said to be rolling out this spring. According to a report in Red Herring, Verizon Chaperone will use the Migo's built-in GPS chip to allow the phone to be tracked. The service will cost from $10 to $15 per month, will be accessible via a cellphone or web site, and will include a geofencing feature, so that parents can get text messages if their kids enter forbidden territory. Sounds pretty effective -- until the kid leaves the phone in his locker or on a bench in the park. But until they start selling implantable GPS chips for kids (or until -- god forbid -- kids actually start calling their parents), this will have to do.

[Zamaria Metcalf @ Feb 28th 2006 1:21AM]

Two little stubby antennas stick out of the top: One is for Verizon's network and one is for forthcoming GPS services.

[Threefingeredlord @ Jan 20th 2006 6:50PM]

The gizmondo does this and more, whats the big deal?

[W00t_handler @ Jan 20th 2006 7:58PM]

#1, don't forget that Engadget has a vendetta against Gizmondo...

[XGM @ Jan 20th 2006 7:58PM]

AHHH NOO PARANOID PARENTS. Im soooo happy mine aint like that. Seriously id leave that thing at home, it looks soo g*y.

[joshua @ Jan 20th 2006 7:58PM]

I think it's a neat idea. A 4 or 5y old could just keep this thing attached to his jacket or backpack. My favorite almost 5y old can play his Kirby/Gameboy combo for hours on end if I let him... he can certainly operate a cell phone w/ 5 buttons.

[John Hinds @ Jan 20th 2006 8:12PM]

This would also be handy if the kid lost the phone.

[Phones Review @ Jan 20th 2006 8:45PM]

I think this is a good idea and should be noted for that.

[Scott @ Jan 20th 2006 9:26PM]

Forgive my ignorance, but why does it have two antennas?

[Erika @ Jan 20th 2006 9:48PM]

Re: #7, the two antennas are for it's cuteness factor.

[Tim @ Jan 20th 2006 10:24PM]

These types of devices are only going to increase in popularity soon and I believe they have good applications. Especially around amusement parks, ski resorts, etc where communication is key but the little walkie-talkie things don't have enough range. Being able to locate a kid via call or GPS in an emergency is quite cool.

[nizzy1115 @ Jan 20th 2006 10:36PM]

does anybody even buy this thing? Its all over this site, but ive never seen one in real life...

[unimatrixzer0 @ Jan 21st 2006 12:35AM]

I wonder if Sprint will come out with something similar. This is actually a really cool thing if you want a cheap way to keep track of your car. Who come in handy if it were stolen.

[Cardcaptor Raa'Shaun @ Jan 21st 2006 10:10AM]

Re: #10 A friend of my younger brother ran up a huge phone bill letting others use her cell phone and ended up getting one of these as a punishment, but other than that I haven't seen any of them.

[Tommy @ Jan 26th 2006 10:45AM]

Just added one to our account for my 8 yo daughter. Got it for free (only paid the $17 sales tax) and $10/month added to my family plan. Since all the numbers we programmed in it are Verizon cell phone, it CAN'T cost us anymore than $10/month. It also uses the same battery and charger as both of our phones. Works great for us.

[Bill @ Jan 29th 2006 1:06AM]

Tell me where I can get one for 17.00

[Sidsel Bjorneby @ Jan 30th 2006 9:31AM]

Have you thought of the market of younger persons with dementia (around 50-60)? They are physically fit and want to be able to go outside alone, but tend to get lost. And they usually cannot use an ordinary mobuile phone.
Can we buy it/use it with GSM and GPS in Europe? Price?

[Sidsel Bjorneby @ Jan 30th 2006 9:31AM]

Have you thought of the market of younger persons with dementia (around 50-60)? They are physically fit and want to be able to go outside alone, but tend to get lost. And they usually cannot use an ordinary mobuile phone.
Can we buy it/use it with GSM and GPS in Europe? Price?