Google Assistant Gains New Parental Controls
After adding parental-controlled watchlists on Google TV and a revamp of the Family Link app, Google has announced that new parental controls will be coming to Google Assistant. The new features, rolling out to the Home and Family Link mobile apps, will allow parents to limit or disable certain Assistant functions as well as configure kid-friendly settings and adjust scheduled down time. A new feature called Kids Dictionary is being added to offer the option of having Assistant provide more age-appropriate answers.
The NPD Take:
- As digital assistants increase their presence in consumer devices and around the home, tailoring experiences to users will be important. With many voice assistants adding voice recognition to the list of features (being able to recognize the voice of the user issuing the command and offering customized responses) the applications are becoming even more personal to users.
- The addition of parental controls to Google’s Assistant will help more users engage with the application in a safe manner.
New Nanoleaf Lights
Now that Matter 1.0 has been released, manufacturers are announcing new products incorporating the specification. Smart lighting company Nanoleaf was quick to announce new products, building several new Matter compatible lights including the A19, GU10, BR30 bulbs and a lightstrip. The products are set to launch worldwide early in 2023 and pricing will for these products will start at $19.99.
The NPD Take:
- While many of Nanoleaf’s products are compatible across platforms, the announcement of new Matter products is an important vote of confidence for the specification. As consumers slowly become aware of Matter, they will look for the logo on product packaging.
- Being among the first brands to market with the Matter logo will strategically position Nanoleaf in front of other brands that have been slower to come to market with new products.