Is it weird that I genuinely enjoy writing about Google's Santa Tracker each year? Yes? Well, I'm still going to do it, because I think many children enjoy playing the various mini-games added to it! I absolutely love Christmas above all other holidays, and my son has a ton of fun with it too. Over … [Read more...] about Google’s Santa Tracker begins counting down the days till Christmas with fun games for your kids
Families
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The Google Play Store is about to open the floodgates with new content for kids and families
In an effort to expand upon its Teacher Approved content via the Kid's Tab of the Google Play Store, Google is now allowing all apps that meet the Play Families Policy to be shown on that Kid's tab of the storefront. As a reminder, one of the most important qualifications a developer must meet with … [Read more...] about The Google Play Store is about to open the floodgates with new content for kids and families
Fitbit is creating a wearable for kids that has built-in safety features
According to a report by Business Insider, Fitbit has been in the news a lot lately for its release of the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2, but also for its integration with Google's Pixel Watch. According to a report by Business Insider, it's now gearing up to release a wearable smart device for your … [Read more...] about Fitbit is creating a wearable for kids that has built-in safety features
Google Assistant adds parental controls, an educational dictionary, new kid-friendly voices
I've always loved Google's family-centric updates. Any time I see that the company is focusing on the kiddos and how they interact with technology and subsequently, how parents can manage those interactions to protect them as they grow and learn to absorb the world around them, I'm stoked. Today on … [Read more...] about Google Assistant adds parental controls, an educational dictionary, new kid-friendly voices
Google TV Kids Profiles get ‘real YouTube’, content recommendations, and more
My son really doesn't use his Google TV Kids Profile all that much and that's for a few specific reasons. First, and most importantly, it doesn't have "real YouTube". I know that it's a funny term, but today's kiddos usually refer to the full YouTube experience in this way since they've been … [Read more...] about Google TV Kids Profiles get ‘real YouTube’, content recommendations, and more
The Google Family Link app just got completely redesigned and it looks much more user friendly
I'm a huge advocate of covering anything and everything Google does to support and enable families to use technology for improvements to their quality of life. When Family Link came out five years ago to assist parents with managing how their children interface with technology, I believed it was a … [Read more...] about The Google Family Link app just got completely redesigned and it looks much more user friendly
Read Along by Google is now available as a web application for your Chromebook
Google used to sell a Frozen II-themed Google Home Mini that came bundled with a few bedtime stories that you could activate via a kid and family-friendly service called 'Read along'. Truly, this was available for all Home speakers, but having the brand partnership with Disney helped the company … [Read more...] about Read Along by Google is now available as a web application for your Chromebook
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is getting a Family Plan option
I love my PlayStation, and I love Google Stadia. Hell, I even love me some Nvidia GeForce NOW every once in a while, although the Steam or Epic launcher peaking through a game's boot process has been a major turn-off for me. Of all of the services, Stadia and Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass would have to … [Read more...] about Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is getting a Family Plan option
Google Play Books web app finally worth using thanks to 10th anniversary Play Store redesign
I love Google Play Books. In fact, outside of Google Keep, the company's books app is probably my favorite service it provides. Anything related to note taking or reading are core to my daily life, and I think Google does a great job at both. Well, mostly. For years now, the Play Books website for … [Read more...] about Google Play Books web app finally worth using thanks to 10th anniversary Play Store redesign
Google Photos now lets users in Canada and Europe order photo and canvas prints
Have you ever ordered individual photos or canvas prints from the Google Photos Print store? The company seems to promote it quite a bit during every season, and while I've still yet to do more than a photo book to capture my son's earliest years, I do see the value in it being available. In this … [Read more...] about Google Photos now lets users in Canada and Europe order photo and canvas prints
How to share your location with loved ones for safety reasons using Google Fi
Ever since Google implemented its Family features in its Fi phone service, more families have taken to the built-in group plans. Not only can you get a great deal on your monthly bill with more people attached to it (assuming they cough up the cash at the end of the month), but there are also … [Read more...] about How to share your location with loved ones for safety reasons using Google Fi
Chromecast with Google TV still sometimes shows ads on YouTube Kids even with Premium
For months now, my son has been receiving advertisements on YouTube Kids while watching his favorite channels on our Chromecast with Google TV in the living room. Whether we're casting or not, on his profile or mine via the Kids app, the result is the same. Intermittently, an ad or two will show and … [Read more...] about Chromecast with Google TV still sometimes shows ads on YouTube Kids even with Premium
