While last year’s Chromecast with Google TV represented a significant leap forward for Google’s line of in-house streaming dongles, its launch did lack a few key features, like support for individual user profiles. However, Android Police is reporting that Kids Profiles could be coming to the device in the future.
As spotted in a Google Issue Tracker post, the potential new feature would allow users to create safe areas where only approved apps and other content are allowed. While YouTube Kids is apparently included from the start, the feature would apparently require parent intervention and approval to install other apps within a Kids Profile.
While the new feature isn’t quite the same as genuine multiple-profile support, it does look to address some of the safeguarding concerns parents and guardians might have with the streaming device.
As for an actual release, the Issue Tracker post points to a rollout within the “next month (or so)” and we’ll definitely keep an eye out for an official announcement in the meantime. And we’ll also be on the lookout for dedicated user profiles with, say, customizable watch lists and recommendations in case those arrive on Google’s hardware in the future as well.