RALEIGH – Republic Wireless plans to introduce in “coming months” a new device that’s loaded with safety applications and works where cellular access is available. It’s not a traditional smartphone.
Called Relay, the device functions as “a walkie-talkie, but works wherever a cell phone works, includes location tracking, and will in the upcoming months have other fun features such as music, games, and voice assistant functionality,” according to Republic CEO Chris Chuang.
In an email to customers on Monday, Chuang said Republic is building Relay to provide a means for families to provide a safer means of communication.
“We set out [in 2014] to create remarkably simple, affordable, AND safe communication solutions that would meet the needs of the whole family,” Chuang writes.
“We challenged ourselves to design ‘kid up’ vs. ‘adult down,’ and ‘safety first’ vs. ‘just safe enough.’ It had to be fun for kids. And be smart on the inside, but with a super-simple exterior that could survive outdoor play and not distract from it.”
The device is priced at $99 and can be snapped to a backpack, a shoulder strap or tossed “in your pocket.”
Relay activates with a touch. (Republic image)
According to Republic, the Relay offers:
- Unlimited range Stay connected with nationwide 4G LTE or WiFi.
- Safe and secure Your info and location won’t be sold or shared with anyone.
- Google Assistant Play voice-activated games and get answers on the go.
- Plays music Access your music and playlists with a simple voice command.
Users connect via a one-touch system.
Republic, which launched in 2011 as part of Bandwidth.com, a communications provider that went public in November 2017, with a mission that Chuange describes as “remarkably simple and affordable ways for families to stay in touch. We pursued this mission by harnessing the power of two of America’s largest cellular networks AND the largest, fastest, free network all around us: WiFi. Over the last 6.5 years, thanks to your trust in us, we’ve been able to save our hundreds of thousands of members over $500 million off their cell phone bills.”
However, Chuang said smartphones “introduced dangers as well—especially for our children. Screen addiction, cyber-bullying, contact from strangers … all emerge or amplify the moment you give your child a smartphone.”
Relay is designed to be an alternative.
The Relay (Republic photo)
“We questioned every convention. Do you really need phone numbers to communicate with your family? Do all calls need to be two-way, or should they be more like texts? Can we build a solution so simple that it doesn’t need a screen—and thereby eliminate screen dangers?”
The result is Relay, which according to Chuang is “an excellent compliment to our existing Republic Wireless services, allowing us to offer families a solution that is safer, simpler, and more affordable than smartphone service for younger children in particular.”
Republic also notes that the device could meet safety needs for senior citizens and people in remote areas.
Chuang, who says the firm has hundreds of thousands of customers, adds that Republic is still seeking feedback about the device.
