Microsoft to give more parental control to monitor apps and device usage

Microsoft has announced a number of new features that will allow parents to monitor the apps their kids are using and how much time they are spending on a device.

We live in a digital age where everyone has access to information, entertainment and more means to connect with each other than ever before. With great opportunity also comes great responsibility particularly on parents to monitor the activities of their kids. The new Microsoft features are aimed to connect families with each other by signing up for a Microsoft family group.

The first feature is being added to Microsoft Android Launcher that can run mobile apps from your Windows timeline. Microsoft Launcher will give parents access to where their kids are, what app they are using and for how long. The feature is currently in preview and can be used once Microsoft’s family group accounts are set up. Microsoft Launcher will show the activities of apps on the device you added to the family portal.

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The second update is being made to Microsoft Edge which will let you approve or block any website or app through your PC for your Microsoft family group. This feature is already present on PC and now it is being extended to a family’s Android devices. Any website or app that you block or approve for your family group, the kids will get the same settings on their Android devices when they access it.

Microsoft also announced MSN Kids -a kid-friendly, ad-free news site for the kids in primary and middle school range. Currently, in preview, the website will include organized news items from publishers like Time for Kids, Popular Science, Sports Illustrated for Kids, National Geographic and USA Today.