Family Link Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Google Messages update finally adds an important safety tool – and teases a feature I’m surprised the app doesn’t have already

Google Messages is introducing two new features: live location sharing and Sensitive Content Warnings. The live location sharing feature allows users to share their real-time whereabouts, improving coordination for meet-ups. Sensitive Content Warnings aim to protect users, especially minors, from harmful content by notifying them when nude images are sent or received. This feature is automatically enabled for users under 18 and can be managed through the Family Link app for supervised accounts. Users can adjust settings in Google Messages to manage these warnings, which utilize on-device AI to ensure privacy.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

You Can Now Make Google Messages Blur NSFW Images

Google is introducing a feature in Google Messages that automatically detects and blurs nude photos sent to Android devices, displaying a sensitive content warning before explicit images can be viewed. This feature includes options to block numbers sending inappropriate images and alerts users when they attempt to send or forward such content. Users can enable sensitive content warnings in the Google Messages settings, while for users under 18, the feature is automatically activated. The detection processes occur on-device using Android's SafetyCore technology, ensuring user privacy and security. The feature is currently being tested on select Android devices running the Messages beta and does not extend to videos.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Kids with Android phones can now tap and pay with Google Wallet

Google Wallet is introducing tap-to-pay for children on Android, allowing them to make in-store purchases. This feature will be available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland in the coming weeks. Parental approval is required for kids to add a card, and parents can monitor spending or remove the card at any time. Children can unlock the app using a fingerprint, face scan, PIN, or passcode, and the app can also store gift cards and event tickets. The feature is limited to in-store transactions and does not allow online shopping.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What’s new in Android’s February 2025 Google System Updates [U: 2/24]

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" detail updates and features for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Key applications in the "Google System" include Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, and Android System Intelligence. The appearance of a feature in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Recent updates include: - School Time: A feature for parents to manage phone functionalities during school hours on supervised phones. - Google Play services v25.07: Notifications for available phone updates and alerts for digital ID card issuer availability. - Google Play Store v45.1: Updated deep link experience and user experience for purchase offers. - Android System Intelligence V.21: Resolved user interface issues in Live Captions. - Google Play services v25.06: New developer features for Utilities-related processes and enhancements for digital wallet processes. - Google Play Store v45.0: Sponsored suggestions now include descriptions and improved search for Play Collections. - Google Play services v25.05: New developer features for Device Connectivity and improvements to Quick Share. - Google Play Store v44.9: Availability of Collections on Android 10-12 devices and remote installation of watch faces. - Google Play services v25.04: Simplified family group management and support for Machine Learning & AI processes for developers. - Google Play Store v44.8: UI updates for Play Games profile creation and updates for evaluating app quality on tablets and ChromeOS devices.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Managing your kids’ Android phones just got easier with Family Link redesign

Google has updated its Family Link parental control app, improving its design and functionality. The new version includes a dedicated Screen Time tab for managing device usage, allowing parents to set up Downtime and School time easily. The Controls tab has also been enhanced for better management of accounts, privacy settings, and content filters. A new swipe gesture allows parents to switch between multiple child accounts effortlessly. Next week, Google will introduce a School time feature to limit phone functionality and silence notifications during school hours. In the coming months, Google plans to add a feature for parent-managed contacts, enabling parents to approve which contacts their children can communicate with.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

One UI 7 brings enhanced parental controls over websites and apps

Samsung has introduced new parental control features in One UI 7 for the Galaxy S25 series, allowing parents to oversee their children's online activities, particularly in web browsing and app downloads. The new content restrictions page enables parents to manage web content on Samsung Internet and regulate app downloads from the Galaxy Store. Parents can activate a content filter to block access to sexually explicit and violent sites, and set maximum age ratings for apps and games. These features are expected to be presented during the initial setup for devices intended for children, with modifications requiring parental approval. Currently, these features are exclusive to the Galaxy S25, with plans for future updates to extend them to other Samsung devices.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

How to Replace Google Assistant With Gemini AI on Your Android Device

Google Assistant is a staple on Android devices, allowing users to manage tasks and inquiries. Google Gemini is a new AI tool that offers a conversational approach for deeper engagement with information, including content generation, grammar corrections, and language translations. Gemini can search through Gmail, set alarms, make calls, control smart devices, and analyze photos. To use Gemini as the primary assistant, users must have a personal Google or Google Workspace account, but it is not compatible with accounts managed by Family Link or for users under 18. To set up Gemini, users need to ensure Google Assistant is the default assistive app. The Gemini app may already be installed or can be downloaded from Google Play. To activate it, users can follow prompts or change settings in the app. Gemini can be launched by pressing the on/off button or using the "Hey Google" phrase. Gemini can perform various actions, including answering questions, launching apps, generating content, setting timers, translating languages, making calls, retrieving emails, and analyzing photos.

AppWizard

August 5, 2024

Giving parents more choice with School time

Parents are increasingly focused on managing their children's screen time and offline activities. In response to concerns about minimizing distractions during school hours while allowing emergency communication, a School time feature was introduced on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. This feature will be expanded to select Android phones, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches. It allows parents to customize their child's device experience by setting a limited functionality home screen during school hours and using the Family Link parental controls app to schedule School time and select permissible applications. Parents can also permit calls or texts from designated contacts.

AppWizard

August 2, 2024

School’s out for smartphones with new Android feature

Google has introduced a new feature called School Time mode for Android devices, aimed at minimizing smartphone distractions in educational settings by restricting access during school hours while allowing essential communication. This feature, originally on the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch, will be available on various Android phones, tablets, and Galaxy Watch devices in the coming year. Parents can customize app access through the Family Link parental controls app, and when activated, it presents a locked main screen with a central button for permitted apps. The initiative aligns with efforts to limit smartphone usage in schools, supported by previous UK government guidance endorsing mobile phone bans during school hours.

AppWizard

August 2, 2024

Google’s new ‘School Time’ feature for Android keeps your child from slacking

Google is introducing a new feature called "School Time" for select Android devices, tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Watches, allowing parents to customize app access for their children during designated learning hours. This feature locks away certain apps until the specified time has passed, helping children focus on their studies. Additionally, Google is enhancing safety settings for users under 18, activating SafeSearch and disabling auto-play on YouTube. The company is also expanding access to its Gemini AI model for teens, which includes safeguards against inappropriate content. Parents can create a specific list of contacts for their children during School Time and will soon be able to link their accounts with their teens through the Family Link app to monitor watch history and manage app exposure. The rollout of School Time is expected over the next year.