Samsung's new parental control app gives kids an incentive to get off their phones
As parents have begun to get their kids smartphones earlier and earlier in life, Samsung has launched a new app aimed at helping the youngest users among us learn healthy gadget usage habits.
Samsung Marshmallow - not to be confused with the Android Marshmallow OS - is a parental control app disguised as a video game. In it, parents can set which apps their kids have access to, as well as set usage limits and a fixed bedtime.
With that in mind, the app gives kids "Marshmallow points" when they use their smartphones within the guidelines set for them, and lose points when they do not. Children will also be able to set their own usage goals.
These points can then be used to purchase gift cards from the in-app gift shop. With their parents' approval, kids can spend their points on gift cards for the Google Play Store, as well as retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Parents will receive weekly recaps on their kids' usage statistics, and will be able to adjust goals and restrictions accordingly.
Currently, the app is only available for users of Samsung Galaxy models, and can be found in the Google Play Store.