Friday 28 October 2022

Google Family Link

Google Family Link

Want to know what is Google Family Link for parents? It is getting a redesign to deliver a streamlined experience for guardians (parents). In this case, it helps to bring control to the forefront, Material You, and a web app.

It begins with a profile carousel at the top, which enables you to switch between accounts. You can see it available in "Highlights" and "Controls." Hence, the first tab can offer an overview of app usage.

In addition, a grid of cards shows various stats. For instance, it displays apps you have used recently, average screen time, and other recommendations. The company will provide more valuable insights soon. They are adding resources from Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely, and the Family Online Safety Institute. Thus, you can navigate conversations at your home around online safety.

Regarding the Controls tab, it is possible to set up screen time limits. In addition, you can view all logged-in devices and a Bedtime schedule. Moreover, it is possible to adjust content restrictions and application data permissions.

What is Google Family Link?

Google Family Link is a Google service for family parental control. It enables parents to manage parameters for the devices of their kids. Besides, if you are a parent, you can restrict content, approve or disapprove apps, and set screen times using the app.

About:

It supports Android 10 and above. Besides, it is available in thirty-eight languages. In March 2017, it was released first to the public. Later, the company announced at I/O 2019 that it would add the feature to Android 10. It has recently been available in 38 nations, including the United States, Australia, and Japan.

An updated "Today only" feature allows you to set temporary screen time limits. Sometimes, you might need to change screen time settings temporarily. It happens when your kid requires some more time. Suppose you are traveling somewhere on a trip. In such cases, your child may need some additional time.

There is a Material You bottom bar rounding it out represents a Location with a map. For instance, we experienced sharing of Google Maps Locations in June. Thus, you can get notifications when your kid arrives at school or leaves there.

In its last part, you can see the company placing access to the bell icon in the top right corner. Thus, you can view requests that your kid makes. For instance, your child may want to download an app, access any blocked websites, etc. Hence, the top tabs help you to view alerts by your account in one view. The company introduces a Family Link web app for both parents and kids. Parents can access controls, whereas kids can realize their settings and access levels. We expect that the redesign of this service will be available soon.

Google Family Link Features:

Set Screen Time Limits:

You can view suitable screen time for your kid. Besides, it allows you to set downtime for their device. In addition, you can limit the time for apps. Thus, you can easily let your kid have a healthy balance.

Guide to Age-Appropriate Content:

You can approve any app which your kid is willing to download. In addition, if you want to block any app, you can do so. Besides, it lets you select the proper YouTube experience for your kid. For instance, you may choose a supervised experience on YouTube or YouTube Kids.

Protect Privacy:

You can choose wisely about the data for your kid using Permissions management. Besides, it is possible to see and adjust permissions for websites & extensions. You can access these via Chrome. Moreover, you can access apps downloaded on your kid's device.

Secure Account:

You can access your kid's account by managing it and data settings. Besides, you can help your kid to reset their password or change it when they forget. In addition, you can edit personal information or delete your kid's account when required.

See Where They Are:

You must want that you can easily find your family members while traveling. The Family Link app helps you to find your kid's location on the map. However, remember that you can locate them till they carry their device.

Get Notifications and Alerts:

The Google Family Link for children and teens can offer important alerts like when your kid arrives or leaves a location. It is possible to ring devices and see the remaining battery life of your device.

Conclusion:

The company has announced recent updates to the app. It can provide several options and keep your family members safer online. These current features have been rolled out and will be available very soon. Regarding a new update to the "Location tab," you can monitor your kid on a similar map using the device location. Besides, you can enable notifications. It will alert you at the time of arrival or departure from a location. The company said this in the blog post.

In addition, the "Highlights tab" enables you to monitor the use of your kid's device. Hence, it displays a snapshot where you can see the screen time, usage of the kid's app, and current apps. It will be available for parents and kids on the internet. Thus, you can access online features while your kids are away from their mobiles or don't have the app. With the help of the Family Link web experience, kids can understand the parental control settings more precisely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q. What does it do?

It enables parents to remain in the loop because their kids explore on their mobiles. In addition, you, as a parent, can set specific digital ground rules for your family.

  • Q. Can a child disable it?

Whether you have added supervision to the Google Account that your child is using, your kid can disable it. Once they disable this without your permission, you will get alerts. After that, the supervised mobiles will lock temporarily.

  • Q. Can you see your child's text messages on Family Link?

It lets you view your child's text messages, SMS text, and social media texts. In addition, if you are willing, you can block a few activities.

Friday 7 October 2022

Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV

Google has recently released its most updated streaming device, the Chromecast with Google TV, on 23rd September, 2022. This device can provide HD streaming. Now, it is expected that the company might update its older Chromecast with Google TV unit.

Although the company did not give any Chromecast with Google TV update officially, it stated that it would update the two-year-old used Chromecast With Google TV to provide new life with Android 12. This device can bring you the entertainment you prefer, even in up to 4K HDR.

Besides, it supports the Dongle feature and comes in Black, Charcoal, Sky, Snow, Sunrise, and White colors. It's capacity includes 4 GB, 8 GB, 64 GB, 2 TB. Let's dive into the article to learn about Chromecast with Google TV review.

What is Chromecast with Google TV?

It is a device which can bring you entertainment in up to 4k HDR.

Price and Availability:

It usually costs $49.99. But you can buy it for $39.99 at the Google Store. In addition, major retailers are selling it.

Design Like other streaming devices, it is a dongle that connects to your television's HDMI port. In addition, you can control it using a small remote control. The dongle can easily fit in your palm due to its oval shape, making it ideal for skipping across a lake.

While HDMI output is on one end, a USB-C port is on the other. Besides, there exists a USB cable and plug. Remember that the device requires additional power than the power delivered by your television's HDMI port.

This included Chromecast With Google TV Remote is somewhere between the Apple TV and the Roku remote. Like Roku, this remote is curved at the top and bottom. Besides, it has a rounded rear. The remote is available in a single color, except for the Google Assistant button.

You can see a circular d-pad at the top. Besides, eight buttons beneath include Back, Google Assistant, Home, Mute, YouTube, Netflix, Power, and Input.

In addition, there are two small volume control buttons on the right hand. Like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, it is possible to plug the Chromecast into Ethernet. The company will offer a power/Ethernet adapter soon after launch.

Interface:

Nothing is radical about the interface, but it works. While there are tabs for Search, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library at the top, beneath are thumbnails of content relevant to that menu.

Suppose you have subscribed to YouTube TV. Then, you can see a Live tab in the top menu displaying shows airing through that service. In the Sub-categories section, you will get Top Picks depending on your viewing history from the streaming services connected. In addition, it lets you see Trending on Google and Recommended Videos depending on what you have seen on YouTube.

You can see the content bought from the company on the Library tab and DVR content from YouTube TV.

Once you tap on a thumbnail, you can view the services on which it is streaming. In addition, you can see a trailer, save to a Watchlist, rate it, and watch additional details.

Streaming Services:

The device supports YouTube, YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN, Sling, HBO Max, CBS All Access, Starz, Peacock, Peloton, Tubi, PBS, and many other streaming services. In early 2021, the device added the Apple TV app. Now, Google TV might get fifty free live television channels.

It is possible to install Apps and services directly from the device. Instead, you may head toward Google Play on your mobile and send new software to it remotely.

It can stream content at resolutions up to 4K/60 fps. Besides, it can support HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. In addition, it is compatible with Dolby Vision. Regarding audio, it can support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos.

Performance:

Users said that it is quick and responsive. In addition, it can offer excellent video quality. While streaming your content, you must be impressed with the details and colors.

Search:

With the help of a Google Assistant button on the remote, you can search for movies and TV shows by name, genre, actor, etc. In addition, it can leverage this search engine for more general inquiries.

Remember that it is impossible to see the menu, look up directions, etc. In addition, you can not choose the mobile number to call the establishment. Whether you ask the Assistant to get you directions, it will provide an overview on the television. Thereafter, it will send directions to the mobile. This search engine is better than Alexa too.

Smart Home Features:

Do you have a Nest Hello video doorbell, a Nest Cam, or another supported home security camera? If yes, it is possible to ask the Assistant to display a feed from that device on the television. This feature is similar to what Amazon provides with its Fire TV devices. In this regard, you should know that Ring and Blink are incompatible with the device.

With the help of this Assistant, you can control other smart home devices on it. For example, you can control smart lights and smart thermostats. It is helpful to turn on and off things on command.

Pros: 

  • Sensible layout 
  • Many streaming services 
  • Remote is available 
  • Smart home features

Cons:

  • Continue Watching list is buggy

Conclusion:

We appreciate the Android 12 update, but it will not provide much for the Chromecast with Google TV. You can expect it will support a higher resolution menu UI and added privacy features with some other minor changes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What does it do?

It can be cast from multiple supported Android and iOS apps directly from a mobile, laptop, or tablet. Besides, it can mirror your Chrome browser tab to your television. If you are a new user, you will get up to 3 months of YouTube Premium. Therefore, enjoying your favorite videos and music ad-free with your voice is possible.

Q. How does it connect to TV?

You should connect your Chromecast to an HDMI input on television or any display device you have. Thereafter, you should switch the television to the HDMI input. Next, wait till the remote is not paired. Usually, it pairs automatically.

Q. Is there a monthly fee for it?

No, you don't need to pay monthly fees for these devices.