Empowering Safe, Kid-Friendly Smartphones: A Case Study with Gabb

Challenge

Gabb approached NUU with a specific problem to solve: they needed a smartphone that would provide constant location tracking for children while limiting their access to only safe, curated content. The goal was to create a child-friendly device that restricted internet browsing, prevented social media access, and provided only essential functions. However, the requirements for the device setup and functionality conflicted with Google Mobile Services (GMS) guidelines, which imposed restrictions on custom configurations.

Without GMS, Gabb’s smartphone would need to be built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) platform, excluding Google’s suite of applications and services. This posed a significant challenge in creating a seamless, highly secure, and kid-safe device. The solution required a partner that could customize Android effectively, integrate proprietary Gabb applications, and secure comprehensive device management and safety protocols.

Solution: Partnership with NUU 

NUU, a leading OEM for smartphones and tablets and a specialist in wireless customization, collaborated closely with Gabb to bring this project to life. With extensive experience in custom wireless solutions for enterprises and a reputation for flexibility in product development, NUU was well-suited to address Gabb’s unique needs.

The partnership enabled Gabb’s vision for a child-safe phone by building customized functionalities within AOSP. NUU’s dedicated engineering team worked alongside Gabb engineers to develop and integrate all the necessary features before the target launch date. Together, they crafted a secure and controlled user experience by incorporating the following custom applications and capabilities:

• Gabb Software Updater: Enabled efficient APK updates, keeping the phone’s software environment secure and up-to-date.
• Gabb Services: Allowed Gabb to manage subscriptions, as well as backup photos and music in a secure environment.
• Phone Dialer: Designed to allow parents to manage contacts, limiting calls only to approved contacts.
• Gabb Messenger: Monitored for inappropriate or potentially dangerous content, alerting parents if needed.
• Gabb Music: Filtered music libraries to offer kid-safe content by removing songs with explicit content.
• Gabb Cloud: Provided backup capabilities for photos, contacts, and wallpapers.
• Gabb ID: Created unique user IDs for each device, managing backups and allowing only parent-approved apps to be downloaded.
• Gabb Maps: Provides navigation services without web browsing access, user-uploaded photos or reviews on business listings, and contact information or images for adult focused businesses.

By taking a modular approach, NUU ensured that Gabb’s proprietary applications replaced default system apps, with deep integration and extensive customization within Android to provide the desired user experience.

Technical Expertise and Certification 

NUU’s industry experience and strong connections with telecom carriers and certification labs streamlined the development and certification processes. Unlike other OEMs who follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach, NUU allocated a dedicated team to the product development and certification journey, particularly for Verizon Wireless.

Working closely with Verizon, NUU achieved Open Development Certification (ODI) quickly, participating actively in lab testing and field validation. This close collaboration allowed for real-time testing of critical features such as GPS tracking and geo-fencing, which were vital to Gabb’s safety-focused objectives.

Securing and Configuring the Device 

NUU’s team worked to secure the device from unauthorized access, both intentional and unintentional. Gabb’s requirements included strict limitations on internet access, app installations, and browsing capabilities. To achieve this, NUU integrated permissions and adjusted the Android Framework, effectively locking down the device to prevent any actions outside of those approved by Gabb. This level of customization ensured that children would be protected from online risks while parents could rely on the phone’s functionality and security.

Results 

Quantitative Data

• Pricing: Gabb’s NUU Phone is 10% less expensive than Gabb’s previous phone of this level.
• Camera Quality:
  • 62.5% improvement in back camera resolution.
  • 60% improvement in front camera resolution.
• Time to Launch: 45% reduction in time to market compared to Gabb’s previous phone of this level.
• Customer Service Tickets: 50% fewer customer service tickets per customer than Gabb’s previous phone of this level.
• Buyer’s Remorse RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): 80% fewer returns than Gabb’s previous phone of this level.
• Manufacturer’s RMA: 98% fewer returns than Gabb’s previous phone of this level.

Through close collaboration, NUU helped Gabb fulfill its mission to provide safe, user-friendly phones for children, proving the value of a fully customized, secure mobile solution tailored to unique client needs.

Read more about why NUU for Business is your choice for cost-effective mobile enterprise solutions.