YouTube to launch kid-friendly app exclusively on Android, ahead of Apple's iOS
The prospective launch of Google's new YouTube Kids app could be a boon for families with young children, but those invested in Apple's iOS ecosystem find themselves on the outside looking in as the video site reportedly will not support the iPhone or iPad at launch.
Update: While Google is readying an iOS version of YouTube Kids, it's not expected until a later date. The eventual launch timing, as well as the cause for the delay, remains unknown.
Google is expected to launch YouTube Kids -- designed as a child-friendly entertainment portal -- early next week, according to the Wall Street Journal. The app is believed to showcase existing kid-focused YouTube channels alongside some original programming, including new episodes of old favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street.
A pre-release screenshot shows a user interface designed for young fingers, with only a few large, colorful options. Some rudimentary parental controls are though to be included as well, such as the ability to enforce viewing time limits.
There are any number of technical or business rationales that would explain the choice to delay an iOS variant. The team may have chosen to focus on a single platform in order to meet a launch deadline, or Google may have simply elected to leverage YouTube Kids as a temporary competitive advantage for Android
The iPad has been especially popular with children since its release, and Apple has made a number of moves to secure its advantage. In addition to its wildly successful education initiatives -- which have seen the iPad monopolize tablet sales for schools -- the company has also employed more low-key tactics, such as replacing Macs with iPads in the kids area at Apple Stores.
Update: While Google is readying an iOS version of YouTube Kids, it's not expected until a later date. The eventual launch timing, as well as the cause for the delay, remains unknown.
Google is expected to launch YouTube Kids -- designed as a child-friendly entertainment portal -- early next week, according to the Wall Street Journal. The app is believed to showcase existing kid-focused YouTube channels alongside some original programming, including new episodes of old favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street.
A pre-release screenshot shows a user interface designed for young fingers, with only a few large, colorful options. Some rudimentary parental controls are though to be included as well, such as the ability to enforce viewing time limits.
There are any number of technical or business rationales that would explain the choice to delay an iOS variant. The team may have chosen to focus on a single platform in order to meet a launch deadline, or Google may have simply elected to leverage YouTube Kids as a temporary competitive advantage for Android
The iPad has been especially popular with children since its release, and Apple has made a number of moves to secure its advantage. In addition to its wildly successful education initiatives -- which have seen the iPad monopolize tablet sales for schools -- the company has also employed more low-key tactics, such as replacing Macs with iPads in the kids area at Apple Stores.
Comments
My kindergarten daughters had no problem with the YouTube interface on the iPad mini, they used the voice search feature to find what they were looking for. Most of the time, they were fascinated and watched other kids/adults playing with their favorite toys. If they want to watch a show, they go to Netflix.
I do wish YouTube would have a full featured parental control with separate password. Right now it only let you filter out explicit content.
I do have a Nexus 7 but my daughters refused to use it because it didn't have a physical home button.
God I hope so. I think Apple should heavily invest into their own ecosystem. But then again, that was one of the issues that befell them before in history. I think there are good reasons to remain open, but they could always sell it to the public as a protection of privacy.
As far as Kid-safe YouTube I'd bet the iOS version is on the way pretty soon. Google usually makes it's apps available to multiple platforms. It only makes sense to do so.
Who cares.
They'll offer it soon enough. Like next week, I am guessing.
That's because Android is for babies!!
Android isn't a true mature platform for adults.
Android is just a dumbed down OS for baaaaaaaaaaabies!!!
(sound familiar to anyone?)
Hmm... Did you say this before?
The YouTube app on iOS is one of the biggest pieces of garbage I've ever seen. It consistently fails to work properly. Glad there's third party options now.
Remember that this is just initially. I would expect Google, Apple and Microsoft to have their products on their own platforms first. Microsoft didn't do this with the new mobile versions of Office because they have so few phones and tablets out there, but obviously, that not the case for Google.
It's actually a surprise this hasn't happened sooner. Historically, Google has released new apps and better versions of its flagship apps on iOS before its own Android platform.
Who cares.
They'll offer it soon enough. Like next week, I am guessing.
Yup. But we can't deny DED his click-bait. But at least it didn't take 15,000 words for him to explain it.
I have eliminated so many apps that do X, if a news site, reviews, Amazon, doesn't matter - save device space and use Safari.
With that out of the way tho I'm surprised to see it will offer original programming as well as brand new episodes of some older shows like Thomas the Tank. That might make it a pretty popular service for parents with young children.
http://adage.com/article/digital/youtube-s-app-kids-ads-launch-february-23/297245/