screen time Archives

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Instead of helping you disconnect, Digital Wellbeing could soon expand into games

Google is working on a major update for its Digital Wellbeing app, which may include a flag trivia mini-game. The app is also getting a new interface for configuring screen time reminders, allowing users to select individual apps for reminders.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Your Android phone may no longer stop you from walking into a pole

Google is winding down its "Heads Up" pedestrian safety feature within the Digital Wellbeing suite. The latest beta version of Digital Wellbeing has revealed code strings indicating that users will soon receive an in-app alert about the feature's impending removal. Heads Up, launched in 2021, was designed to enhance pedestrian safety by using motion sensors and location data to remind users to stay aware of their surroundings while walking with an unlocked screen. Initially available for Pixel devices, it later expanded to other Android phones. There is currently no specified timeline for the feature's removal, and Google has not provided a formal statement regarding its discontinuation.

Tech Optimizer

September 10, 2026

Bitdefender Family parental control review

Bitdefender offers family plans that include comprehensive security features such as antivirus protection, a password manager, a VPN, and identity theft protection. Parental control features are integrated into these family plans rather than offered as standalone subscriptions. The Total Security Family plan costs .99 for the first year and supports up to 25 devices for five family members. The Premium Security Plan is priced at .99 for the first year and includes additional features like scam protection and a VPN. The Ultimate Security Family Plan and Ultimate Security Plus Family Plan are priced at .99 and .99, respectively, offering more extensive identity theft protection and credit monitoring. Key parental control features include screen-time scheduling, internet time management, age-appropriate content filtering, location tracking, Safe Search, and YouTube restrictions. The parental controls are compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS, though functionality may vary by platform. The setup requires physical access to the child's device, and after 2025, controls will be managed through the Bitdefender Central web dashboard. Bitdefender provides extensive customer support resources and 24/7 assistance via live chat, phone, or email. However, it lacks some advanced features found in dedicated parental control applications, such as social media monitoring and text/call monitoring.

Winsage

September 10, 2026

Parental approvals finally get faster in Windows 11 with Microsoft rolling out wider age verification

Windows 11 has introduced enhanced family safety features to reduce children's exposure to adult content. Key improvements include a streamlined parental approval process for screen time, app access, and purchases, making it easier for parents to manage requests. Tracking of web activity, app usage, and spending has been simplified, and managing family groups has been improved. Microsoft accounts are essential for setting parental controls and distinguishing user age groups. A new API, the Windows Age APIs, has been developed for age verification without disclosing personal information and is currently available to Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout expected soon.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Microsoft fixes sluggish Windows 11 parental approvals and expands age verification

Windows 11 has introduced new family safety features to reduce children's exposure to adult content, including a streamlined process for parental approval of screen time, app access, and purchases. Users can now sign in to Microsoft Edge using a Google account for improved accessibility.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

These are the best power settings for your Windows or Mac system

Windows and macOS offer various power management features to optimize energy consumption for both laptop and desktop users. In Windows, users can access power options through Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key features include: - Power Mode options: Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Best Performance. - Configurable screen, sleep, and hibernate time-outs to reduce energy use. - Energy Saver mode, which minimizes background activity and dims the display. - Customization of the Power & sleep button controls. In macOS, users can find power settings under System Settings via the Apple menu. Key features include: - Low Power Mode for laptops, which reduces background activity and dims the screen. - Energy Mode options for Macs with Apple Silicon: Low Power, Automatic, and High Power. - Options to prevent automatic sleep and optimize video streaming performance. - Screen time-out settings under Lock Screen to adjust display delay when idle.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

These are the best power settings for your Windows or Mac system

Power management options in Windows and macOS can help extend battery life for laptops and reduce energy consumption for desktops. In Windows 11, users can access power options via Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key settings include Power Mode (Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, Best Performance), screen and sleep time-outs, Energy Saver mode, and Power & sleep button controls. In macOS 27 Golden Gate, users find power settings under System Settings > Energy (for desktops) or Battery (for laptops). Key features include Low Power Mode, Energy Mode options (Low Power, Automatic, High Power) for Apple Silicon Macs, and additional settings under the Options button. Screen time-out settings are found under Lock Screen in System Settings. Adjusting these settings can significantly impact energy usage.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

5 Minimalist Android Phones Actually Worth Buying In 2026

Many individuals are turning to minimalist phones to achieve a balanced digital life, seeking alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions while still offering essential functions. The Minimal Phone, successfully crowdfunded with over 7,000 from nearly 2,000 backers, runs on Android 14 and includes built-in apps for email, messaging, calls, maps, and music. It features a 4.3-inch black-and-white e-ink display, is priced at 9, and is set to ship in 2025. A Kickstarter campaign for the Minimal Phone 2 is currently underway, promising a smaller design and an OLED display with shipping expected in December 2026. The Mudita Kompakt has a similar 4.3-inch e-ink display and operates on a custom OS without Google services, ensuring user privacy. Priced at 9, it offers a six-day battery life and includes a dedicated offline button to disable distracting features. The Light Phone III, released in March 2025, features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, is priced at 9, and runs on LightOS, allowing users to customize their app menu. It supports sideloading apps and has a Qualcomm chipset with 128GB of internal storage. The F1 Horizon Bluebird, priced at 9, runs on BasicOS and supports calling and texting while limiting access to social media and web browsing. The Jelly Star, while not strictly a minimalist phone, has a compact 3-inch screen, runs on Android 13, and features a MediaTek chipset, discouraging excessive use due to its small size. The selection of these minimalist Android phones focuses on devices that maintain essential smartphone capabilities while incorporating features designed to mitigate smartphone addiction.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Digital Wellbeing could soon give you a weekly reality check

Google is developing a feature called Weekly wrap for its Digital Wellbeing app, which will provide users with a summary of their phone usage over the week. In the beta version 1.47.964183037.beta, code strings indicate that Weekly wrap will generate insights based on phone activity, presenting notifications that summarize usage in a contextual manner. The feature will highlight significant changes in usage trends, utilizing Gemini Nano to process data on users' devices while ensuring privacy. It will convey changes in a user-friendly format, avoiding overwhelming statistics and using descriptive language. Users will have the option to manage notifications related to the Weekly wrap feature.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Digital Wellbeing could get multi-app timers, a new dashboard, Bedtime mode tweaks, and more

Google is revamping the interface of its Digital Wellbeing app to enhance user experience by focusing on features like app activity, app timers, and Bedtime mode. The current interface is cluttered, and the redesign aims to simplify navigation and improve accessibility. The app timers feature will allow users to set collective daily limits for multiple apps simultaneously, making it more efficient. The Bedtime mode will change to eliminate collapsible sections, displaying all options by default and prioritizing the Bedtime routine at the top of the page. These enhancements are still experimental, and it is uncertain when they will be available to users.