Google basically pursues the interest that you spend as much time as possible on the computer and smartphone. However, the company has now introduced the “Head Up” function. It is supposed to make sure that you don’t look at your smartphone. Here’s what’s behind it.
Head up: Google introduces new function
The smartphone is our daily companion. We spend several hours a day in front of the small screens. Since this is not only unhealthy, but can even be dangerous in certain situations, Google has now introduced the new “Head Up” function.
It is supposed to prompt you via notification on your screen to raise your eyes and pay attention to your surroundings. The push notification is supposed to appear on your smartphone when you are on the move and still look at your smartphone.
This is how “head up” works technologically
But how does Google actually know that you are looking at your smartphone and that you are moving in public?
The second question is the more exciting one. In order to analyze the way you move, Google looks at whether you are moving. Incidentally, you don’t even have to have your location function activated for this. If this is the case, Google only knows whether you are moving outside of your home.
The definition for looking at your smartphone is (intentionally) a bit fuzzier. To analyze that, Google only looks at whether the screen is activated during your physical activity.
That is, whether your screen is just unlocked or whether you are actually looking at your smartphone, Google only guesses. Of course, the probability is still high with an unlocked screen.
Activate head up: You have to meet these requirements
“Head Up is available for Android 12 or Android S operating systems. If you do not want to wait for the rollout, you can already download the beta version. The prerequisite is that your smartphone supports the new operating system.
To activate the feature, you have to give your permission in the menu item “Physical activities”. Google can then compare the way you move and the distance you have covered with the time you have spent there.
This is how the new Digital Wellbeing feature looks like
If you can’t wait any longer, Twitter user Jay Prakash Kamat has already shared the corresponding screenshots.
Incidentally, the German version of the currently available beta version then says: “Let Google remind you when you’re walking not to keep looking at your smartphone.” And for good measure, Google adds: “But be careful, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention in the meantime.
