Google-owned YouTube will launch a child-parent-friendly app on February 23. YouTube Kids app is a free app to be made available for Android devices only, engineered to make sure younger fans of Google’s online video library have a more age-appropriate experience.
“Parents were constantly asking us, can you make YouTube a better place for our kids?” Says project group manager, Shimrit Ben-Yair. This idea initiated the advent of YouTube Kids.
The app boasts unique features of parental controls, like the ability to disable online searches. Hopefully, this will help in screening explicit materials not suitable for younger population, as such that ensue themes about sex, drugs, horror and violence.
One more is the countdown timer to limit viewing time by shutting down the app in the range set.
The Interface
As one would expect, the app contains simple-to-use interface that clears the screen of distracting elements such as viewer comments.
The home screen displays eight large tiles showcasing images from popular kids shows, with five hovering simple icons above: a TV set icon for programs; a radio icon for video renditions of popular songs; a light bulb icon for educational programming; and binoculars to explore a range of top videos.
“The images are big as are the tap targets for small fingers, and since most younger children can’t type they can search with voice. The app will discard inappropriate search terms, like sex, asking the user to Try something else instead. There is also an option using which parents can limit their child’s screen time,” added Shimrit Ben-Yair.
