If you’re used to staring at your phone while taking a walk then Google’s “Heads Up” feature will sort you out.
This new feature will help save many Android phone users from the impact of technology and digital services on their mental, physical and emotional health.
How It Works
After you’ve enabled “Heads Up”, you will receive an alert whenever your phone detects that you are walking around. Let’s say you’re on the road browsing your phone, Heads Up will remind you to focus on what’s around you. The setup page has several reminders that instruct you to “Watch your step,” “Stay alert,” or “Look up,”.
Don’t get too excited!
XDA Developers have confirmed that the feature is only on Google’s Pixel phones for now. It will roll out as a beta version. One of CNet’s reporters also said that Google often uses its own Pixel line as a testbed before sharing features more widely with other Android phones.
Even though you’re yet to have Heads Up now, watch out as you might see it soon.
How to Set up the “Heads Up” feature
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Search for “Digital Wellbeing & parental controls” then Tap it.
Step 3: Look for the new Heads Up option, just above the toggle switch to add an app icon for Digital Wellbeing to your app drawer.
Step 4: Select Heads Up and follow the prompts in the setup.
You’ll need to grant Digital Wellbeing permission to view your physical activity so it can identify when you’re walking. You can as well give the app permission to view your current location at all times. This will allow it to identify when you’re inside — it’s unclear if that means it’ll be more or less proactive about reminding you to look up, but let’s hope for the former.
