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YouTube wants you to "take a break" from watching videos with new update
- The new update for Google’s YouTube app includes a way for users to set it up so the app reminds them to “take a break” from watching videos.
- The update, which was first announced at Google I/O 2018, also lets users turn off notification sounds during certain times of the day.
- Finally, the app can be set up to send just one daily set of notifications, again at a specific time.
Earlier this week as part of the Google I/O 2018 keynote address, the company said it would launch new features to improve what it called the “digital wellbeing” of its users, and maybe make them turn off their phones once in a while. Today, the new version of the YouTube mobile app started rolling out, which added some features in keeping with this new theme.
After the update is downloaded, YouTube users can go into the app’s settings, and then the “General” menu selection. They should see a new entry called “Remind me to take a break”. Tapping on it will give users options ranging from “Never” to “Every 180 minutes”. If users decided to try this feature, they can continue to watch videos, but will get reminders to take some time off. Users are free to ignore this reminder and keep watching.
There are also two more features in the YouTube notifications menu. One will disable all notification sounds and vibrations from the YouTube app for a set amount of time. The other new option lets users get all of their notification once a day, again at a specific time.
These new features will not be the last ones from Google designed to help make people shut down their phone for a little while. The company is working on Android Dashboard, which will show users how much time they spend on their phone, which apps they use the most, and more. This is expected to be released in time for the launch of Android P later this year. Other features coming down the pike include App Timers, which will let you set time limits on using apps, and Shush, which should stop all notifications and vibrations when a phone is placed on a table or other surface with the screen down.