Google has enhanced parental control features for Android users through the Family Link app, which allows parents to manage their children's device usage. A significant update in December 2025 introduced a dedicated parental controls settings page within the Settings app for Google Pixel devices running Android 16 or newer. This update streamlines the process, allowing parents to implement controls easily without using a separate app. Parents can access both Family Link and device limits from one location, with options to password-protect settings. The setup process includes selecting a supervising Google account and reviewing various control options. The integration with the Family Link app remains, allowing further management from a parent's device. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as a device that supports these enhanced parental controls, featuring a triple-camera setup and a powerful Tensor G5 chip.
Android 16 introduces a shift from annual feature releases to continuous updates. Key features include a "Notification organizer" that groups and silences low-priority notifications, and AI tools that summarize lengthy messages and chat threads. Themed icons can now be applied across all apps for a consistent look. The update also includes a centralized Family Link hub for managing screen time and app usage on children's devices. These changes are currently rolling out to eligible Pixel devices.
Businesses often bundle additional services with core products, especially in the antivirus software market, where products are marketed as 'security suites' or 'total protection.' The primary role of antivirus software is to protect against malware, including harmful downloads and phishing websites. Analysis shows that the best free antivirus programs offer protection comparable to paid versions, with differences mainly in intrusive ads and upselling tactics rather than essential security features.
Premium antivirus features include:
- Additional licenses: Paid versions typically cover multiple devices, which is beneficial for households with various devices.
- Bundled VPN: Often included in paid packages, but data limits may make them less effective; a dedicated VPN may be a better investment.
- System tune-up: Generally overhyped; many free tools offer similar functionalities.
- Family/parental controls: Valuable for families, but similar features are available for free through other platforms.
- Banking browser: May be useful for those concerned about online banking security, but effective antivirus should already provide adequate protection.
- Ransomware protection: Important for those particularly worried about ransomware, as premium features may offer additional monitoring.
Overall, while premium antivirus software may provide extra features, the core protection from free versions is often sufficient for most users.
Google is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings in its Messages app for Android, a feature that detects and blurs images containing nudity. This feature is available only to users signed into a Google Account. When an image is blurred, users can access a resource page, block the sender, return to the main screen, or choose to view the image. A warning will also appear when users attempt to send or forward a nude image, requiring acknowledgment before sending. For supervised users, such as minors, the feature is enabled by default, while unsupervised teens can disable it. Adults must opt in to use it. The feature processes images locally on the device, ensuring no identifiable data is sent to Google servers, although it may misclassify images or fail to detect nudity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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