Wear OS debuts new feature for parents and kids but Apple got there first

Date:
Mon, 13 May 2024 08:37:51 +0000

Description:
A new WearOS update from Google gives parents more control over their kids smartwatch usage during school hours.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Wearables are on their way to becoming the next big tech trend for kids, and this includes the best smartwatches . In its latest update, Google is gearing up to add a new WearOS feature that will help parents manage their childs smartwatch usage during school hours.

The Google System release notes for May 2024 share that the new School Time feature is designed for parental use, and will allow parents to put access limitations on the apps their child uses. Parents will also have the option
to silence their childs smartwatch, limiting distractions and allowing them
to focus in the classroom.

Google hasn't yet announced how School Time will work, but we imagine users will be able to change their children's School Time settings from their own Wear OS app. We also dont yet know if the feature will be available across
all WearOS devices, or if it can only be accessed on more recent WearOS devices like the Google Pixel Watch 2 . (Image credit: Google)

While its a new addition to the WearOS user interface, parental settings for wearable tech are far from new. Apple introduced a similar feature also called Schooltime with its watchOS 7 update back in 2020. It allows parents
to limit certain features on their childs Apple Watch , including setting
time blocks on certain apps and watch face complications, but still allowing them to access features like Activity Rings, and its likely that School Time feature in WearOS will work in a similar way. Analysis: are smartwatch makers increasingly targeting kids?

Although Google is lagging behind with its parental features for
smartwatches, its good to see the company taking younger smartwatch users
into consideration features like School Time makes it easier for high school-aged users to focus on things like studying. However, Googles new update could also suggest that its pitching its wearable devices more at younger users.

Its understandable why high-school-aged kids would want to wear a smartwatch, especially if theyre already using Google Pixel phones and want to explore wearables that extend its functions and services. But younger children are increasingly starting to take an interest in smartwatches.

Some brands already make watches designed for younger children we think the Fitbit Ace 3 is a solid entry-level option for a kids smartwatch. So could Googles launching its School Time feature be an indication that a new Google kids smartwatch is on the way? (Image credit: Fitbit) You might also like A mystery Wear OS watch has just surfaced as the Pixel Watch 3 gets closer Wear OS 5: what we want to see, and all the leaks so far The best Wear OS watch 2024: Top smartwatches running Wear OS 3 and more



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/wear-os-debuts-new-featu re-for-parents-and-kids-but-apple-got-there-first


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)