Zoodles launch Child Safe browser App for Android phones

As all the digital news of the day is completely focused on Google’s new instant Search functionality, here is something I’ve found which is more relevant for your children.  Zoodles, the child safe internet browser for children, have launched a mobile version with a simple and secure interface for Android phones. The Zoodles app aggregates hundreds of educational games, videos and puzzles into the app. The inspiration for Zoodles came from Mark Williamson’s own personal experience of watching his own daughter struggling to interact with a mainstream browser.  The app is free for all to download but also offers a premium membership option, costing $7.95 per month which provides parents with the ability to customise and restrict their child’s online learning experience.

How does it work?

Similar to the web based app, the mobile app is able to adapt content to each child based upon age and skills to aid their development. So don’t worry if your child hasn’t quite reached the stage of learning to read, Zoodles will only present content where no reading is required. The app is also able to detect the device they are using, so Android users with Flash installed will have access to games build in Flash and videos etc. Although there are lots of educational and fun games available in the Android Marketplace, nearly all of them are ad supported and your child can click on the ad, which will load a web browser and lead your child out of the game. Zoodles automatically locks your child into the app, so you have the peace of mind that they cannot accidently make any calls, delete important emails or access any of your other apps.

How to get started

Zoodles for Android allows users to create an account, or log in through an existing Zoodles account. Once the app is launched, a child can log in by simply tapping their picture and can make a selection from a scrolling menu of activities. Zoodles is able to automatically recognise the Android device being used and presents the appropriate content for that specific phone.

Zoodles is steadily gaining in popularity as parents are looking for child friendly ways to introduce computing to their children at an early age. So far the startup has just recorded over one million of hours of playtime on its products. Zoodles also plans to launch an iPad app soon, so keep an eye out for the latest developments and with any luck you will be able to get your phone back avoiding any tantrums!   Download Zoodles by searching for Zoodles in the Android Marketplace and let us know what you think.