Parental controls are a slippery slope on any platform. And make no mistake about it -- your child will at some point find a way around any walls you erect. But if you still want to give it a go, you can set the Android Market to only allow apps or a certain "maturity level" to be downloaded to a device, also known as content filtering.
Basically, every app that is submitted to the Android Market must declare a maturity level. They are:
- Everyone
- Low maturity
- Medium maturity
- High maturity
In the settings on your device's market app (hit the menu button, then choose "settings," you can restrict the level of app you (or your child) can download. And then, of course, you'll want to set a PIN password to lock down the settings.
Is that going to kid-proof the device? Hardly. And it doesn't keep the device from actually seeing an app -- which would make a little more sense if you're looking to shield little Timmy from the seedier side of the Market -- though the app will display a message saying you can't download it. But it is a small option if you're looking to lock down a device from curious eyes.
These are the best games you can play on Android
We're rounding up the best games, free and premium, you should be playing today.
The excellent Nest Audio is down to its lowest price yet for Black Friday
Ready to upgrade your smart home? The Nest Audio is getting its first price cut thanks to Black Friday, bringing it down to the lowest price we've ever seen.
What advice do you have for a first-time Galaxy Note buyer?
Buying a Galaxy Note is a big deal. If you knew someone getting their first-ever Note, what advice would you give to them?
These are the best Galaxy S10+ cases you can buy
The Galaxy S10+ is too expensive to carry around naked. Cover up that indecency and get your magnificent new marvel a case!