Microsoft has launched an Early Access Preview version of a new app for managing how much time your kids spend gaming as well as restricting what content they can access.
It's called the Xbox Family Settings app, and it's now available for Android and iOS along with a warning that it's likely to be a bit unstable due to ongoing development. The functionality it contains is sure to please parents, though.
The app allows you to setup a family account which is linked to any Xbox consoles and Windows devices in the home. It's then possible to view daily and weekly activity reports broken down into Xbox and Windows usage. Screen time limits can be set, content blocked or unblocked, and adding or removing friends via Xbox Live can be setup to require a guardian's consent.
Microsoft also included privacy tools, allowing online communication to be restricted (the options are no one, friends only, or everyone), joining multiplayer games can also be setup to require approval. Children are able to request more screen time when they reach their daily limit, with the options being "Allow" or "Not Today." And all this functionality is handled in real-time from a smartphone or tablet, making it easy for parents to manage and get peace of mind while most likely infuriating their children.
Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a Family Safety app, which was being made available in early access, but you had to sign-up to gain access. It seems to differ from this Xbox version by including the ability to create schedules and share location information. The activity logs also include details of websites visited and search terms used.
If you'd like to try the Xbox Family Settings app, it's available now for Android and iOS devices, although iOS users will need to use TestFlight to gain access to it for now.
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