According to an e-mail sent to Android developers, Google is urging companies to submit their applications into the family-friendly version of the Google Play Store by May 28th. Considering May 28th is also the first day of Google IO 2015 – Google’s annual and highly anticipated development conference – you can expect this major development will be celebrated on stage during the company’s key note speech.
The program has previously been announced as “Designed for Families” and although Google has made the program official, we’re not pretty confident to learn of the anticipated launch date.
At one point in time Google was completely hands-off when it came to approving and monitoring apps, but as the Android ecosystem has grown, it’s become a logistical and legal necessity. Creating an app and game environment that kids, parents, and family members of all ages can visit, together, with the confidence in the content will perhaps be Google’s biggest app curation success to date. However, should sneaky devs adult-related wares or inappropriate Easter eggs, we could also see those eggs end up right on Google’s face.
But let’s be honest: right now anything is better than nothing and Google’s efforts are certainly admirable. Alternatives out there exist such as Samsung’s “Kid Mode” and 3rd party app stores on devices like the Nabi Tab, but this is an undertaking of much greater proportions.
How many parents are out there? Have you been long-awaiting a “kid-friendly” mode that ensures your children can use your Android tablet with free reign without worrying what their prying eyes might find?
