EXCLUSIVE — Kids around the world are already watching Netflix on TVs and tablets for fun or when a tired parent needs five minutes to themselves. Now Netflix aims to make the process easier and more streamlined. And add some games.
Netflix Playground, a new app from the juggernaut streaming service designed specifically for kids aged 8 and under, will debut April 6, the company told USA TODAY exclusively.
The "all-in-one app for tablets and phones with a growing library of instantly playable games based on beloved shows/movies like 'Peppa Pig,' 'Dr. Seuss' and 'Bad Dinosaurs'," and Netflix also touts "comprehensive parental controls ... kids discover at their own pace while giving parents added confidence and peace of mind."
The biggest difference between this app versus others on the market (besides games based on Netflix titles like "Sesame Street") is that Playground has no ads or in-app purchases, frequent pain points for families trying to use technology with young children. The app is included is a basic Netflix membership ($8.99/month), and the games can be played in "offline mode" without data or WiFi.
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