InspirationWorks believes it has "covered every angle" in keeping in-app purchases at a safe level for children using its Kurio device.
The firm has spoken out after the Office of Fair Trading announced it is to launch an investigation into the growing issue of children notching up large bills, often accidentally, through in-app purchases, after a number of instances came to light in the national media.
Android tablet Kurio supports Free-to-Play/Freemium apps, which are both pre-loaded and available through the Kurio App Store.
For apps which do feature in-app purchasing, parents are able to utlise the KurioGenius Parental Controls, in order to allow or block IAPs within the apps. This can be set per profile, dependent on preference and the age of the user.
In addition, the Kurio App Store will allow children to have their own accounts, which are separate to their parents'. This enables them to buy and download apps and purchase items through IAPs using their own 'piggy bank' which parents can add funds to.
Parents are able to hold children's spending of any funds in the piggy bank, as well as allow or block the IAP option altogether, even if there are funds.
When the piggy bank funds have run out, the child is able to add the app to a wish list. Kurio will then automatically send an email notifying their parents, who can either add funds to the account or confirm and purchase the app themselves.
"We've covered every angle in keeping IAPs at a safe level for children using Kurio," said Craig Asling, software and gaming manager at InspirationWorks. "Parents are in full control of all spending, to avoid any nasty surprise bills.
"The controls also mean that children are protected from marketing and pressure while playing, ensuring they are in a safe, child-friendly environment at all times."
Tracey Devine, UK marketing director at InspirationWorks, added: "Safety is our number onw priority with the Kurio brand and protecting children, and parents, from pressure to spend on in-app purchases falls squarely into this category."
