Why is Google Kids Space a growing trend on tablets?

“Kids are natural explorers and when they have access to great content, it can be a magical experience,” said a Google blog post in 2020. “They can read up on their favourite dinosaur, watch videos on how to bake a treat or discover new hobbies.” Shortly thereafter in August 2020, Google launched its new kid-friendly mode on Android tablets called Kids Space, featuring curated content for children to explore and learn. 

It was available only on select Lenovo tablets, but now Google Kids Space is expanding to several newer tab models. Parental control has been granted via another app that connects Kids Space with an Android, iOS or Chromebook device.  

What’s so special about Google Kids Space?  
Several factors worked to make Google Kids Space a popular trend in a short time.  

• It allows children access to a library of chosen content, including apps, games, e-books and videos  
• Kids can create and customise their own ‘character’ through preferences, and receive recommended content based on their interests  
• Parents can use the new kids tab in Google Play and select “teacher-approved” apps for their kids  
• This “teacher-approved” badge means the apps have been reviewed and rated by teachers on factors like age-appropriateness, quality of experience, enrichment, and entertainment  
• In the Watch and Make tab, children can view creative and fun videos from YouTube Kids  
• For artistic children, there’s the Lenovo Precision Pen 2. A stainless steel stand can be used to position the tablet in various orientations, making it possible to watch a video while doodling characters from it  
• Google worked with some of the top publishers of children’s books while choosing a wide range of free e-books for children to browse   

Google Kids Space has the unique advantage of being a virtual library, video channel, learning device, and of course, search device, all rolled into one. Apart from allowing discreet parental control and banking on the advice of experienced teachers, it promotes off-line interaction by encouraging kids to make videos of their favourite activities.