Firefly Mobile has developed a cell phone aimed at kids, filling the gap high-end phones leave by providing a convenient way for children to stay in touch with family.

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Targeting kids who fall into the "tween" demographic between 8 and 12 years old, the Firefly phone has just a handful of buttons instead of a standard keypad. Preprogrammed "Mom" and "Dad" keys allow kids to phone home. Additionally parents can program a third button with up to 20 other speed-dial options and set the phone to only accept calls from those numbers. An emergency 911 button with accidental call protection connects the phone directly with emergency assistance.

"What parents told us is they want to know who their kids are talking to - and probably even more important, who's talking to their kids," says Firefly CEO Robin Abrams.

Customizable faceplates, changeable ringtones, and a "Fireworks" button which causes the phone to strobe colorfully for 30 seconds, are additional features.

However, certain options that may have attracted kids were left out, such as games, text messaging, and Internet access. But these factors may make the Firefly more acceptable in schools where a growing number of faculty members are opposing phones in classrooms.

The retail price of the handset varies from carrier to carrier and retailer to retailer depending upon the service plan chosen.

- Firefly Cell Phone Review
- Firefly Cell Phone Specs

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