Google launches three new apps to curb screen addiction

The search engine giant has added three new wellbeing apps on its "Experiments with Google" collection on Play Store


Tech Desk January 24, 2020
PHOTO: FILE

With screen addiction now a reality, many find the habit of constantly using their phones inescapable.

According to a survey conducted by the global software security group Kaspersky Lab, most of us nowadays do not think about recalling information using memory and resort instead to search engines.

Excess use of smartphones and the internet can kill your memory, leading to so-called “digital amnesia,” suggested the survey.

Your smartphone is listening to everything you are saying

Google has added three new wellbeing apps on its "Experiments with Google" collection on Play Store, aimed to curb the excessive use of smartphones.

Envelope

PHOTO: Google

Envelope is only compatible with the Pixel 3a and can be used to “transform your phone into a simpler, calmer device."

To do this, you will first have to print out a PDF and then fold it into an envelope to seal. Once done you will only be able to use the smartphone to make calls and take photos with the camera.

Activity Bubbles app

PHOTO: Google

This app has been designed to assist users to have an insight into what their device usage looks like, each time you unlock your device a new bubble will be added to your wallpaper.

Yahoo says all 3 billion accounts hacked in 2013 data theft

The more you unlock your phone the bigger the bubbles will grow.

Screen Stopwatch

PHOTO: Google

With Screen Stopwatch you can learn about how much time you spend on your smartphone each day.

The app is similar to the Unlock Clock app that Google launched last year, although instead of showing you how many times you unlock your phone in a day, Screen Stopwatch will show your total phone usage each day.

This article originally published on Android Central.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ