- The following is content from the press release -
KOKUYO proposes a communication tool that enables families to share their "now" with each other even when they are apart. Kokuyo Enters the IoT Business
(Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President: Hidekuni Kuroda) announces the launch of "Hello! Family." a new brand that supports next-generation family communication in line with diversifying work styles and lifestyles. As the first series of products, the company has released a smartphone application and four types of IoT devices for working families with children ranging from middle school to early elementary school age, which enable families to easily communicate "where and what they are doing now" even when they are apart. Two of these products, "Harokoko" and "Harotag," go on sale today.
Official site:https://hellofamily.kokuyo.co.jp
Today, the environment surrounding people is changing dramatically with the advancement of digitalization and the accompanying diversification of working and learning styles. We are working to expand into new business areas to capture the new needs arising from these changes and deliver new experiential value to our customers in the areas of "workstyle" and "lifestyle".
In such a situation, many families are troubled by the lack of communication between parents and children and their differences as the number of dual-earner households increases. With this in mind, we have developed a brand that supports a new form of family communication, "Hello! Family.", a brand that supports new forms of family communication, with the brand message of "More connected family 'now'.
The goal was to enable family members to feel close to each other even when they are apart, and to activate positive communication by praising and cheering each other on for small actions in daily life. As a first step, we have developed four types of IoT devices: "Harokoko," a GPS device to check the location of children; "Harotagu," a tag that can be attached to children's belongings to check for lost items; "Haromoni," a monitor with a microphone and camera that can easily send voice messages to smartphones; and "Haropochi," a button that can notify messages to smartphones just by pressing. The "Haropochi" is a button that notifies a smartphone of a message just by pressing it. Harokoko" and "Harotag" are scheduled to go on sale today, and "Haromoni" and "Haropochi" are scheduled to go on sale in the summer of 2023.
Location information and messages sent from these IoT devices can be viewed on the "Halofami App", an application distributed today. In addition, each of the four types of devices can be used in conjunction with each other, making it possible to change applications and product combinations as the child grows.
Hello! Family." series product lineup
Bulletin board application "Halofami App" to keep an eye on the "now" of the family
This application allows users to check the whereabouts and travel routes of family members, as well as exchange messages and keep track of family members' schedules all at once. It supports family connections by keeping an eye on the "now" of the family.
Retail price: Free for download. Monthly fees may apply for some plans.
*Premium plan will be released in May.
Four types of IoT devices that link devices to each other
GPS "Harokoko" that tells you "I'm here, I'm here! GPS "Harokoko" that conveys the message "I'm here now!
The GPS function allows you to know where your child is and his/her route in real time. If you register a frequently visited place, the application will notify you when your child departs or arrives, making it easy to know where your child is.
Available in whipped green and marshmallow pink (two colors in total)
Price: 6,930 yen (including tax), exclusive soft case (3 types) 1,980 yen (including tax)
*A separate communication fee of 580 yen per month (tax included) will be charged.
(2) Have you got it right? Tag "Harotagu" to check if you got it right
By carrying a child's belongings with "Harotag" attached in combination with "Harokoko", the application can immediately check if the child has forgotten anything even when away from home. This app watches over not only the child's whereabouts, but also his/her belongings.
Available in: Candy Green, Mango Yellow (2 colors in total)
Retail price: 3,960 yen (tax included)
(iii) "Haromoni," a monitor that can exchange messages with smartphones* Scheduled for release in summer 2023.
A monitor with a microphone and camera allows the child's voice message and facial expression at that moment to be sent to the smartphone. It also displays the whereabouts of the parents, providing peace of mind for children who are away from home. It is a communication tool for children who do not have a smartphone.
Colors available: Icing turquoise, sugar pink (2 colors in total)
Retail price: 16,280 yen (tax included)
Wi-Fi and Internet access are required. Customers are responsible for Internet communication charges.
4) "HaroPochi," a button that allows users to send messages to their smartphones with a pop of a button * Scheduled for release in summer 2023.
When a child presses "Haro-Pochi" at the moment of "I could do it! moments, they can get a badge and an immediate response from their parents, helping them to form the habit in a fun way. The design and role of assigned messages and buttons can be changed, so the system can be used for a long time as the child grows.
Color range: sherbet blue, coral pink, custard yellow (3 colors in total)
Retail price: 4,840 yen (tax included)
Family." official website and at the official KOKUYO stationery online store. Family." official website for those who wish to view the products.
■"Hello! Family." official website URL:https://hellofamily.kokuyo.co.jp
■Campaign Information
Description: During the campaign period, those who purchase "Harokoko" and "Harotag" as a set will receive a "Harokoko Exclusive Case" without exception.
Period: March 29 (Wed.) through May 31 (Wed.) *Subject to early termination due to stock-outs.
Future development of "Hello!
Family." will continue to expand the variations of family IoT devices, and in the future, we aim to build a "Hello! Family. platform" to consolidate various information related to the daily lives of families collected from apps and devices, and to link and develop other services. KOKUYO will work to realize the "Autonomous and Collaborative Society," the future scenario envisioned by KOKUYO, by promoting children's independence and supporting a comfortable working environment for parents through the "Hello!
