Google's Digital Wellbeing app is no longer in beta and is now available for select Android Pie phones.
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- The Digital Wellbeing version 1.0 can be accessed through Google Play.
- The feature is only available on devices running Android Pie, including Pixel and Android One devices.
- "The app enhances the Wind Down feature."
The Digital Wellbeing app, introduced by Google as part of the Digital Wellbeing initiative in May, is now out of beta. The stable version of the app is available for free download on all Google Pixel and Android One devices running Android 9.0 Pie. With this update, eligible device users no longer need to be part of the public beta program to access the app, which helps monitor digital habits. In addition, the app includes an extensive Do Not Disturb mode that not only silences phone calls and notifications but also suspends all visual interruptions.
The stable Digital Wellbeing app is now available for download on Google Play. However, it is currently only accessible to Google Pixel and Android One devices running Android Pie. This means that the app cannot be installed on non-Google Pixel and Android One models. Nevertheless, its stable release hints that Google may soon extend the app's availability to models from OnePlus and Essential Products that do not contain any bloatware.
Alongside being the first stable build, the Digital Wellbeing app version 1.0 improves the Wind Down feature that now turns off at your selected time or the next alarm, whichever comes first. The feature automatically fades the screen to grayscale, enables the Night Light schedule, and turns on the Do Not Disturb mode at a preset 'bedtime' to help users wind down and hit the bed.
The latest Digital Wellbeing version also improves the back button behaviour. Once installed, the Digital Wellbeing app is accessible through the Settings menu.
Google announced the Digital Wellbeing initiative at I/O 2018 in May. The initiative is aimed at helping users understand their digital habits and curb device addiction using built-in tools and features. While its initial debut was for Android devices in the form of the Digital Wellbeing app, the search giant recently rolled out its presence on YouTube and Google Calendar. At the October event, the company also revealed a Digital Wellbeing version with features such as Downtime and Filters for Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers.
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