Android's latest update will deliver to its users a new "bedtime" feature that will help those people who are having insomnia during the global coronavirus pandemic. According to Techcrunch's latest report, a new suite of "digital well-being" features aimed at helping Android users better manage their screentime has debuted at Google's 2018 I/O developer conference.
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The company is still refreshing its well-being toolset, although Google I/O isn't taking place this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the new toolset that Google will roll-out is to help people who are having a hard time coping with the coronavirus pandemic.
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A rise in sleep-related search queries like "insomnia" and "can't sleep" were identified by Google in April and May, showing that the novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted sleep, leading to increased anxiety and stress. The "Do Not Disturb" feature is used by Android's Bedtime Mode, previously known as "Wind Down," to silence texts, notifications, and calls.
Android's new update will also reduce the draw to the user's device using grayscale that will fade the phone's color to black and white. With its newest features updated, Google is making it easier to customize how and when Bedtime is enabled.
Android and Google Pixel updated with Bedtime feature to fight insomnia during the pandemic
The new bedtime feature will allow its users to set their device to automatically turn on the feature after their phone is plugged into its charger. Android users can also add the new bedtime feature to their device's Quick Settings to instantly turn it off or on with a single tap. Users will also have an option to pause bedtime mode without needing to adjust their schedule if they need a few more minutes.
The new feature will also remind its users before bedtime, giving them an option to play calming sounds from Calm, YouTube Music, Spotify, and other music sources. They can pair Bedtime mode with Digital Wellbeing to limit the interruptions during sleep.
The new app will also show how much time is spent and which apps were used after the bedtime feature is set. Google suggested using the "Sunrise Alarm" option that gradually brightens the screen to help users wake up without interrupting their sleep abruptly.
According to CNET's latest report, a new Personal Safety app will also be delivered to all Google Pixel devices; a car crash detection feature will be added to Google Pixel 3. New safety measures, such as a way to schedule a check-in from the app will also be introduced by the company. Google users can additionally save transcripts to Google Docs since its Recorder app will be updated, allowing people to stop, start, and search voice recordings with Google Assistant.
