Atlanta – September 15, 2026 -- Bark Technologies has launched a new Bark Watch built on the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm LTE) platform, combining Samsung's hardware with Bark's AI-powered safety software for kids.
The device costs $10 a month for 24 months, plus a $15-a-month plan for cellular service and parental controls. Optional device protection covering accidental damage, loss, or theft is available for an additional $4 a month.
The watch replaces smartphone features with kid-focused safety tools
Built with Armor Aluminum construction and an IP68 durability rating, the watch supports standalone LTE calling, group texting, speech-to-text dictation, and text-to-speech playback for children who need reading support. It also includes built-in Emergency SOS and GPS location tracking, along with health tracking features like step count and fitness activity monitoring.
Parents can set customizable text and calling controls scheduled by time of day, adjusting permissions as a child demonstrates responsibility. The watch offers eight interchangeable band styles and Bluetooth headphone support.
The device deliberately excludes internet access and cameras
There are no social media apps, internet browsers, mobile games, unrestricted app downloads, or camera hardware on the watch. Instead, Bark's AI platform scans incoming and outgoing text-based media in the background, alerting parents to signs of cyberbullying, digital threats, or explicit content.
Brian Bason, founder and CEO of Bark Technologies, said building on the Galaxy Watch8 lets the company deliver its safety features on what he called a best-in-class device, aiming to give parents more confidence in their family's security.
The redesign targets older kids who outgrew earlier kids' watches
Bark said many children's smartwatches are designed for younger kids, leaving older children wanting something that looks more age-appropriate while still including safety monitoring. The new Bark Watch is positioned as a first connected device for kids transitioning toward more independence without a full smartphone.
The watch is available now through Bark's website, where customers can select band styles and review technical specifications.