Tech

Google TV takes a baby step toward multi-user support with “kids profiles”

It sure sounds like Google is re-committing to the TV space with Google TV—a renamed, revamped version of Android TV. In addition to the new content-centric (instead of app-centric) home screen, watchlist, and an upcoming “dumb TV” mode, Google is now revamping parental control support.

The new “kids profiles” will turn on a fun, kid-friendly UI with themes like “dinosaurs,” space,” and “under the sea.” The big new feature of Google TV—content-centric recommendations—will kick over into a kids-friendly mode, too, pushing educational content to the home screen.

Parental control functionality looks pretty much the same as in Android TV, with parents able to set limitations on total screen time, bedtime, and individual apps. The big difference is the interface, which has a friendlier UI that doesn’t look like a system administrator panel anymore. The controls are also compatible with Google’s Family Link app, which allows for remote administration and tracking.

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