Parental Controls on Tablet devices

There is an urgent need for good parental controls on mobile tablet devices. The video bellow is from of Ali Naqi Shaheer at Le Web. He talks about the need for proper parental controls on the iPad. Apple offers some parental controls but not in the browser and there is no way to monitor your what your kids do or watch on the device. Net Nanny and other parental controls on Windows computers have been popular for years, but they don't work on mobile devices and since mobile devices are so portable they are needed all the more. Apple makes it very difficult for a 3rd party app to monitor what else is happening on the system, but Android is more open.
When I built Smart Lock I knew it would help some parents but I also knew that it wouldn't be enough. I'm working on a better solution. I'll post more information in the coming weeks.

Android Guys Podcast

Last night I was on the Android Guys Thursday Night Droid-cast. They interviewed me about my recently released Smart Lock 2.0 app. I really enjoyed it.
My interview starts at: 8:50 and takes a little over 15 minutes. You can listen to the whole podcast on Blog Talk Radio or search for Android Guys on your favorite android podcasting app.

Smart Lock 2.0 Released

We have released Smart Lock 2.0 in the Android Market.



Version 2.0 features a new Approved Launcher icon. You can use it Smart Lock several applications instead of just one at a time. This essentially gives you Parental Controls on your phone. The update is free for existing users. You can find Smart Lock 2.0 in the Android Market. Search for "Smart Lock" or click here.

Smart Lock 2.0 Video Overview

I have made a new Overview video for Smart Lock 2.0. It highlights the new Approved Launcher feature. Check it out. I will be releasing Smart Lock 2.0 in a few short days.

Smart Lock 2.0 Screenshots

I promised some screenshots of Smart Lock 2.0 so here they are.
I hope you like the new layout and the new Approved App Launcher. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Click on the images for a description.

Smart Lock Released in the Android Market

I recently launched Smart Lock in the Android Market.



Smart Lock allows you to do the following:

• Child Lock any App
• Increases general security
• Makes the lock screen less annoying
• Boots the camera faster on older phones

Smart Lock runs in the background and lets you use one application* without seeing the lock screen.

Smart Lock QR Code

Smart Lock has two modes: Everyday Mode and Child Lock Mode. The main feature is the Child Lock Mode. Child Lock Mode allows you to give your phone to your child and not worry about them deleting info on your phone, changing your settings or viewing inappropriate material. You can limit there access to only one application*.

Everyday Mode is for personal use. Everyday Mode is great for anyone that likes to keep their phone secure, but finds it annoying to enter the unlock pattern every time they turn the screen on. I use it at the gym when  listening to music. It allows me change songs easily without compromising security.
Smart Lock also dramatically speeds up camera boot time on older Android phones. Because it bypasses the lock screen you don't have to wait for the screen to orient into landscape mode before taking pictures. The camera goes from screen off to taking pictures almost instantly.

I am currently offering a Early Adopter sale for Smart Lock for only 99 cents.  The price will go up soon so get it while I am offering such a great deal.  It's listed as "Smart Lock with Child Lock" in the Android Market. You can scan the barcode above or just search the Market for "Smart Lock".

* -  Smart Lock blocks the user from viewing the home screen when an App is Smart Locked. If an app links to another app, that link will still work.

Smart Lock in the top 25% of all apps in the ADC2

Smart Lock was in the top 25% of all apps submitted to the Android Development Challenge II, however that was not good enough to make it the the final round.
Thank you for your support and look for Smart Lock in the Android Market in the coming weeks.

ADC2 Judging App is now Available

You can now get the Android Developer Contest 2 Review app from the Android Market. This is currently the only way you get your hands on a copy of Smart Lock. Go get the ADC2 app and start making a difference in the Android community. Learn more about Smart Lock here. Learn more about the ADC2 Judging App here.

Smart Lock

Smart Lock is a small app that I put together for the ADC2. I haven't stopped work on my Disc Golf App, but I took a small break from it in order to fix an annoyance I had with my new myTouch 3G.
Smart Lock runs in the background and allows you to securely use the the last app you were running when you wake up your phone. It is best explained with a video demonstration:



Smart Lock is great for:

• "Child Locking" any app
• Changing songs while running
• Looking at Google Maps while driving
• Any small task that is done in intervals.

Smart Lock is not available yet, but if you sign up for my email list you will get an invite to beta when it is ready. I hope you like the app. Let me know what you think in the comments below.