Google’s Family Link app is undergoing some major changes. Not only is the app changed, but Google will also add another set of parental control features. That should be a huge step forward, since the lack of features has been one of the main criticisms in our country Google Family Link app review.
Family Link first launched five years ago, giving parents the opportunity to monitor their children’s activity on Android devices. But while the app is completely free, it was lacking. Some key features were missing, or at least not redundant. Fortunately, this new update changes things, hopefully for the better.
according to Google Blog Post (Opens in a new tab)Changes are being made to Family Link and Google TV so parents can find a better balance between their family relationships and technology. Since there are no two unique families, and Google wants to make sure that parental controls are flexible and efficient, but also easy to use.
This was done using feedback from actual parents, and seeing new features and experiences in the app’s three tabs – Controls, Location, and Lighting.
Previously, Family Link could place limits on your children’s screen time, and monitor their last known location. This does not change, but there are some improvements that are being made (via tech radar (Opens in a new tab)). The Location tab will continue to focus on your child’s location, but is also able to display their device’s battery life, and alert you if they enter or leave a specific area. This way you can see when they reach their destination, and if they decide to drive around without telling you.
The Controls tab will still let parents set time limits for use, but the new Today Only feature means you can extend that if you want to — but only for one day. The usual screen time limits will still apply until you change them, but any extensions will have to be added manually each day.
This would make it useful for circumstances where you want your kids to engage their devices, like a road trip, and don’t want to forget to reset the limits to their original schedule.
Finally, Highlights shows you what your kids have been up to, but in a way that’s more eye-friendly than before. You can see which applications they have, how long they have used them and whether they have tried to access the restricted content; Things that every parental control app should offer, but they haven’t always been part of Family Link. Presumably, the ability to control your children’s device permissions is still there, and one of Family Link’s unique selling points.
The best part is that the redesign makes the Family Link app look a lot easier on the eyes. The controls are larger and simpler and the graphics seem more informative than they used to be. And it’s still free to use, which is especially beneficial with the high cost of living.
The changes to Google Family Link have already started to take effect, and should be completed in a few days. So parents should watch out for the arrival of these new features. If you haven’t tried it yet, the upgrade should make Family Link worth checking out. It was one of our best parental control apps before, and that will only improve its standing.
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