Mobicip | App Monitoring ... times?

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App Monitor

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Technical Support

From the description of the feature, I was under the impression that App Monitoring included an understanding of how much time was being spent on each one. Is this not the case? I can't find any reporting to that effect.

Sincerely,

Doug

Mobicip Support Sep 25, 2014

Re: App Monitoring ... times?

We apologize for any confusion caused. Please note that App Monitoring enables you to keep track of the apps being downloaded onto your kid's devices without manually checking it every time. This way you can make sure that Mobicip is the only window left for filtered internet access.

You can review what apps are being used on each of your devices; Instantly review the rating, price and category of the app on the App Store. We are working on a feature that will send you alert when a new app is downloaded. We will keep you posted on this feature.

The App Monitor was named as a sort-of extension to the Web Monitor. The name was a convenience thing, but perhaps it is indeed misleading. We will convey this to our marketing team. The point of the App Monitor is that you can now allow the App Store on your kids' devices, and still be in touch with what is being downloaded. Apple doesn't allow any app to monitor any other app directly on iOS, so that is out of the question at this point. However, we can perhaps position the feature correctly so it is well understood by parents like you.

Guest Sep 26, 2014

App Monitor misnamed

I upgraded to the premimum today simply so I could monitor the apps my son is using on his iPad. While I appreciate being able to see his browsing history from my workplace I was fine with looking at his iPad every once in a while. Unfortunatly the same functionality is not available in the App monitor there is no ability to see what Apps he is using (looking at.) Can you please add that to the service?

Regards,

Tom

Mobicip Support Oct 9, 2014

Re: App Monitor misnamed

We apologize for the confusion caused. Due to the limitations imposed by iOS, we will not be able to track the specific app that is being used on the device. While we would like to make our filtering service work with other apps on the device, Apple does not allow us to create software that runs in the background. Hence, we had to create our own browser to provide filtered internet access. Please note that this is the case with any other internet filter available for Apple's mobile devices.

As mentioned above, App Monitoring feature enables you to keep track of the apps being downloaded onto your kid's devices without manually checking it every time. This way you can make sure that Mobicip is the only window left for filtered internet access.

Michael May 23, 2015

Ever heard of ios8

This makes for a redundant and unneeded feature. iOS 8 makes this easy with the family settings. You can easily make it so your kids have to ask permission to install an app.

This is taken directly from your page.

Manage and monitor app downloads and usage with instant alerts

If this app can't track usage this is false advertising and again unneeded as this is already a feature of ios8.

Mobicip Support May 26, 2015

Re: Ever heard of ios8

Hello Michael,

We are aware of that feature. You have to understand the fact that Apple doesn't want any other software other than theirs to run in the background and there came the whole concept of developing apps for specific usage. These apps will run in a sandbox and cannot affect anything in the system, and this is a restriction imposed by Apple that no developer can violate even if we wanted to.

This is a limitation imposed by Apple and we would just love to solve the problem if Apple allows us to do so. Absent such intent from Apple, what Mobicip offers is a solution that works under the right circumstances. In iOS 8 feature, you will have to be around to enable app download each time. But our feature lets your kid download the apps but keeps you posted on the apps being used/downloaded. You can check the downloaded apps remotely by just viewing the 'Apps' tab in your web monitor account.

AmyT Dec 27, 2016

Where do they install apps from

You said Mobicip enables them to download apps, while keeping parents updated via our web monitor account. The ones they have currently installed show up fine. I was hoping they would be able to download without asking me every time. I have recently installed on our apple devices and cannot figure out where they are supposed to download from. Do you change permissions in settings to allow installation of apps through app store, or do you access the app store through the mobicip browser?

Mobicip Support Dec 28, 2016

Re: Where do they install apps from

Dear Amy

It appears that you contacted our Email Support reg the same concern. We copy/paste our reply here so that it can be helpful for other users with same concern:

'Turning the option 'Installing Apps' off in your device settings will hide the App Store icon from the screen. All you need to do is turn ON the "Installing Apps" option (Settings app >> General >> Restrictions) and you can download new apps. Please do not forget to enable it back once you are done.

Our best recommendation at this point is to download the apps your kid wants and then turn off the App Store by selecting Settings > General > Restrictions > Installing Apps > OFF. You can always re-enable the App Store temporarily when your son/daughter wants to download other apps, and then lock it back again when he/she is done. At this time, that is the best way to ensure that no alternative browsers are installed without your knowledge.'

Marilyn Hanley Oct 17, 2016

disappointment

I also was under the impression I could monitor how much time was spent on each app. This is disappointing. Unfortunately, this will probably lead me to look elsewhere for monitoring my children's devices.

There are many other features that I love but really need this one. Thanks.