| Linux desktop gains kid-friendly browser |
Jan. 05, 2009
 A start-up has launched a browser extension aimed at turning the Internet into a friendlier place for kids aged 3-12. Available in free and subscription versions, KidZui's "KidZui" extension is said to provide a captive portal to 1.5 million pre-screened websites.
(Click for larger view of KidZui)
KidZui previously offered its eponymous browser as a standalone application for Macs and PCs. The new browser-based version achieves feature parity, while adding support for Linux and other OS platforms supported by Firefox 3.0, the company says. Compared to the standalone version, the extension version also optionally adds a password-lock aimed at keeping kids captive within the KidZui environment.
The free version of KidZui lets kids "independently" access some 1.5 million websites that the company claims have been reviewed and approved by a team of "trained editors." The commercial version adds features such as "kid-safe" social networking. See this screenshot for a further breakout of free versus subscriber features.
The KidZui extension adds a "K" to Firefox 3.0's toolbar
(Click to enlarge)
KidZui, running on SUSE 11.1
(Click to enlarge)
KidZui says the browser-based version was created by Brian King's Briks Software consulting company. Other extensions created by Briks include Fotofox, Zemanta, and SmartPrint, it says.
Cliff Boro, KidZui CEO, stated, "Since launching in March, hundreds of thousands of kids and parents have seen the value in KidZui and have become active and engaged users. KidZui's Mozilla add-on now gives us the opportunity to connect with Mozilla's active community, giving them access to a safe social browser with just one click."
The extension can be downloaded here.
-- Henry Kingman
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