Google has announced a new update for its Pixel phones, bringing new personal safety features, better battery management, a bedtime sleep system, and some additions to Google Assistant.
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Safety Checkup: In addition to bringing Google’s Personal Safety app to all Pixel devices (and car crash detection to Pixel 3 devices), a new Safety Checkup feature lets you set a specific duration for an activity, like running, hiking, or walking alone. If you don’t respond to an automated app check-in after that period, the app will notify your designated emergency contacts. “In the event you need immediate assistance or are in a dangerous situation,” writes Google’s Tok Tokuda, “Emergency Sharing will notify all of your emergency contacts and share your real-time location via Google Maps so they can send help or find you.”
Better battery: The latest update also includes improvements to Adaptive Battery, for Pixel 2 and later, which predicts when your battery is running low and reduces background activity when it notices it (a bit like iOS’s automatic low power mode).
Bedtime: Google’s Clock app now lets you fall asleep to soothing sounds and limit interruptions during your sleep. If you leave your phone on, Google will let you know which apps are keeping you awake, like a little scolding from your mom. Sunrise Alarm lets you wake up to a song or a gradually brightening screen in the morning.