Buzz
Heads Up Mode (not to be confused with the Heads-Up notification bar on Android) was first discovered in November last year. It is a Digital Wellbeing feature that prevents users from staring at their phones while walking on the streets.
This feature is only available in the latest version of Digital Wellbeing, so to experience this feature, you need to update or install the newest version of the app.
Once you activate this feature in the Digital Wellbeing app on your Android phone, you'll receive a notification encouraging you to stop using your phone while on the go. However, it's noteworthy that you need to grant permission for the app to access your Physical Activity and location data at all times to use the Heads Up mode. This way, the feature can detect movements and know whether you're outdoors to provide alerts.
The Heads Up mode is entirely optional as users need to manually enable it in the Digital Wellbeing app. Furthermore, this feature doesn't completely prevent you from using your phone while walking. It simply provides alerts to help you avoid accidents on the go. You can dismiss the alerts and continue messaging, browsing the web, or using social media while out for a stroll.
Some alert messages include: - Be careful 🚧
- Look ahead 👀
- Stay focused 📵
- Look up ⬆️
- Stay alert 🚦
- Watch out ✋🏼
- Watch your step 👣
Speaking of the availability of the Heads Up mode, it's currently being rolled out to beta testers on Pixel phones with beta version v1.0.364375698 of the Digital Wellbeing app.
If you're a beta tester and using a compatible device, you'll find this mode in the Digital Wellbeing app. However, if you don't see it, go to Settings -> Apps -> Digital Wellbeing. Then, clear the app's cache and press the Force Stop button, reopen the Digital Wellbeing app, and you'll see the new Heads Up mode.
For more information, check out: Google's additional mode for alerting and collisions when users are looking at their phones on the go.
