Chromecast with Google TV gets a secure profile for children

For the first time in years, Google introduced a new Chromecast at the end of September, starring its new Google TV functionality. Profiles were missing until now, but it seems to change soon – children will get their ‘own section’ in Google TV, which can also be locked.

Chromecast with Google TV

One of the most important functions of the Google TV platform is the way in which streaming services such as Netflix are linked to Android TV. After linking, Google will provide suggestions based on your viewing behavior: from now on you no longer have to dive into your applications to find a movie or series that suits you. The link does have drawbacks, for example, it is easy for children to click on content that they should not see. Google says it can solve this with ‘kids profiles’, 9to5Google writes.

As the name of the feature describes, it is a Chromecast profile for children, so they can only access content that is suitable for them. Within the profile of the children, parents can set specific apps to be opened – other apps are not accessible in this mode. After switching on the mode, children cannot just switch it off; the parents set a pin code for this.

Profiles for children

It is unknown what other differences the profile brings to children compared to the existing ‘restricted’ mode in Android TV, which can block the use of specific apps. Google TV may offer suggestions for children in this mode, but the suggestions are limited to children’s mode and parents will not see them. How users can set the mode is still unknown – at least it seems to be a regular part of the setup of the Chromecast with Google TV.

Google’s issue tracker shows that the changes have been made and that the hope is to implement the update ‘next month’. However, the Googler has included some uncertainty in his message about the rollout of the update. It is not known whether Google plans to develop profiles for regular users within the Google TV platform, so that the suggestions and viewing lists can be offered per person.

For countries outside of the Chromecast sales zones with Google TV, this latter feature is not very important. For example, in the Netherlands and Belgium, Google cannot offer suggestions based on your personal viewing history. Despite the presence of Google TV, its specialty is of little use to you. However, the profiles for children will offer a solution, since children can be separated from certain apps in this way.