Pinwheel offers a range of smartphones based on selected models from manufacturers such as Google and Samsung, with the standard operating system replaced by Pinwheel’s customised Operating System.
This means that the phone can be used for making calls, texting and taking pictures, but additional functions can be limited. PinwheelGPT is an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot in the phone. There is a limited number of free conversations or a parent can pay for unlimited use.
Pinwheel has parental controls built in. Parents pay a monthly subscription to manage these controls using the Caregiver Portal.
Parents can choose from a library of over 1,200 pre-vetted apps for use on the phone. Pinwheel provides a safety rating for all apps in its library, e.g. showing that an app meets all Pinwheel guidelines or if there are some aspects for parents to consider. Parents can control whether their child can install their own apps or must always ask for approval. However, well-known social media apps, web browsers and adult-content apps are prevented from installation.
Parents can manage who their child can call or text. It is possible to set up specific modes (e.g. school mode) and schedules, controlling which apps and contacts are available at different times of the day. Parents can read their child’s messages and their conversations with PinwheelGPT, and monitor their calls. They can also track their location or be notified when their child arrives or leaves a certain location.
