Managing Existing Computers, Tablets and Gaming Devices in the Home

While the StudyStation can do quite a bit on it’s own, it is the first product of its kind designed to also help parents manage screen time for devices a child is already using.

There are two ways it can help. Directly Managed or Indirectly Managed

Directly Managed
The StudyStation can be used to play games and run applications that are actually running on a device remotely located in the home and on the same network. It is assumed that the device would be placed in a location where it cannot be used by the child such as in a locked cabinet or in the parent’s bedroom. Devices that can be directly managed include:

Microsoft Windows PC - Windows 7+ running the Valve Steam application.
Apple MacBooks - Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) + running the Valve Steam application.
Linux - Ubuntu 12.04 OS + and running the Valve Steam Application
Sony PlayStation (4/5)

Note that only screen time can be managed using this method. You must use the parental control features of these devices to limit access to game by age/rating. You will still be able to monitor the screens to see what games or applications your child is running. While Microsoft XBOX Consoles cannot be directly managed, the LaunchPad can be directly used with XBOX Cloud Gaming.

Indirectly Managed
For other devices, the StudyStation offers the Gaming Timer Entertainment Mode that provides a use timer matching the limit settings for Entertainment Mode. The status is shown on the front panel LCD screen. The computer monitor/display itself is blanked and audio is disabled to save power and limit double use.

This can be used so a user can “check out” an alternate device (i.e. Nintendo Switch, iPad, smartphone) after logging in to Gaming Timer Mode and then return it (“check in”) immediately upon logout. Upon login and logout notification emails are sent to the Account Owner and logged. This mode consumes Entertainment Mode time just like any other Entertainment mode and GamePlay+ extensions, if available, can be requested during the last 2 minutes of available time.

Best option: If the Account Owner has full, reliable access to time limit settings on the alternate device, they can simply enable access to the device for “check out” and disable access to the device when time runs out for “check in”. This is preferred if the child struggles to return the alternate device as requested.