Google is working on a new feature for the "Digital Wellbeing" app. This is intended to discourage users from using their smartphone while running. After the first indications of the new function appeared at the end of 2020, Google is now rolling out "Heads Up" for the first users.
Google has started to release the latest beta version of the "Digital Wellbeing" app for the Google Pixel 4a . As the Xda developers found out , the "Heads Up" function, which was discovered in the app code last November, can be used for the first time.
"Heads Up" can be found in the "Reduce Interruptions" section of the app. If you want to activate the function, you have to click on "Next" at the bottom right of the screen. The installation setup then starts.
If the new feature is activated, users will receive a notification if they use their mobile phone while running. One is then reminded that they should also take care of their environment during this time. However, at least for the time being, the app does not actively warn of real obstacles such as signs.
"Heads Up": Think twice about using your smartphone while running
In addition to pointing out more mindfulness, Google is likely to want to make you think twice about whether you should look at the smartphone screen while walking or running. After all, there is a danger here, especially in road traffic, if the focus shifts away from the environment and towards the cell phone.
In order to use "Heads Up", Google needs access to the location of the user and his / her movement data. There is currently no information regarding a larger roll-out on other Android devices. Basically, however, it can be assumed that the feature will also find its way to smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi and Co. in the near future.