T-Mobile today announced its latest initiative in the form of a service called FamilyMode. Designed for parents, it gives them better control over how their child, or children, use their smartphones.
Built with two components, it’s one part mobile app and one part physical box. The app is loaded onto the parent devices while the box (Home Base) is installed in the home and connects to Wi-Fi.
Using the app, parents can mange usage time, filter out apps and content, set bedtime hours, and other limits. Moreover, it allows for creating geo-fences and can monitor real-time locations.
The app does allow parents control phone access independent of the Home Base; the physical box is optional and only provides control over the in-home devices using Wi-Fi. The Home Base and app can give control over devices such as phones, tablets, gaming consoles, TV, and more.
The FamilyMode service runs $10 per month; the Home Base is a one-time purchase of $20 and it will be available starting from June 29.
