Comcast’s New xFi Feature Cuts Kids Off When They've Had Too Much Screen Time

Comcast is touting a new feature in its xFi Wi-Fi management and security tools that lets heads of household shut specific users off once they’ve reached a pre-set limit on data consumption.

Comcast is citing a recent Common Sense Media study suggesting that 68% of American parents are concerned that their kids spend too much time staring vacantly into digital devices at home.

“Xfinity xFi was designed to provide simple tools to help our customers see and control all the things connected to their home Wi-Fi network,” said David Puckett, VP of xFi and digital security product management at Comcast. “As a dad with four kids, I know how hard it can be to keep tabs on how long everyone has been online every day, especially during the summer. This latest feature is a great way for parents to better manage their children’s screen time.”

Related: Minim Puts AI-Powered Wi-Fi Management and IoT Security Platform into Motorola and Sercomm Routers

For Comcast, the new feature—which can be easily enabled through xFi mobile apps—further extends the lead the cable company has in the Wi-Fi management and security field.

“There’s a lot to like about Comcast’s xFi solution,” said Jeremy Hitchcock, founder and CEO of Minim, referring to Comcast’s popular Wi-Fi management and IoT security app.

Minim is at the Independent Show this week in Chicago, demonstrating its Wi-Fi management and IoT security tools for smaller operators.

“Smaller operators need those kinds of capabilities, too, but if you’re not Comcast, you probably don’t have the resources to build them yourself," he said.

Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!