Google Prepares to Retire Heads Up as Android Auto Survey Shows Access Gap

Heads Up launched in 2021 as an opt-in feature that uses motion sensors and location data to warn users to pay attention while walking when the screen is unlocked. Android Authority said the beta code strings point to Google preparing to say goodbye to one of Android's more quirky and underused pedestrian safety tools. The same report noted that Google has recently been spotted working on a Weekly wrap feature for Digital Wellbeing that could use Gemini Nano to turn weekly screen time data into personalized, contextual insights.

The Android Auto survey, which drew responses from just under 2,000 Android Authority readers, found that 57.2% of respondents do not drive cars capable of running Google's in-car experience. Another 35.8% said their cars support Android Auto, while 7% said their vehicles support the system but they choose not to use it. Android Authority noted that cars without built-in support are not necessarily incapable of an Android Auto-like experience: an old Android phone or tablet can be repurposed into an Android Auto dashboard kit using an open source tool, and professional solutions also exist.

In a separate article, Android Authority highlighted several underused Android features that it said are easy to miss because Google does not talk about them enough. Notification history, which is not enabled by default, keeps a 24-hour log of notifications and can help recover an important alert that was swiped away or erased with Clear all. The outlet said it can also help users catch WhatsApp or Instagram messages that senders deleted after sending. The feature is available through Settings > Notifications > Notifications history.

App pairs let users save a split-screen combination as a home screen shortcut, so two apps can open together with one tap. Reverse wireless charging, supported on some high-end phones such as Galaxy and Pixel devices, turns the back of the phone into a small charging pad for earbuds, a smartwatch, or another phone. It is enabled through Settings > Battery under Wireless power sharing, and Android Authority described it as useful in emergencies rather than for everyday charging.

Clipboard history in Gboard stores copied text and images after users enable it from the clipboard icon in the toolbar. Gboard clears entries after about an hour, and users can pin items they paste often, such as a phone number, address, or email. App pinning locks the phone to a single app by opening the recent apps overview, tapping the app icon, and choosing Pin to screen. If the option is not available, it can be enabled through Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > App pinning > Use app pinning. Android Authority said the feature is useful when handing a phone to a friend or a child because the other person cannot switch apps, check notifications, or go to the home screen without unlocking the device.

Android Authority also pointed to Circle to Search text actions and Live Caption. Circle to Search can grab text from any screen, including screenshots, video frames, or apps that block copying. Long-pressing the home button or navigation bar opens it, and users can circle or tap text to copy or translate it; selecting a phone number or email address can start a call or send an email. Live Caption adds subtitles to any video on the phone even when it is muted, and it can be found through Settings > Accessibility > Hearing enhancement. Android Authority described it as an accessibility feature that is also useful for watching Reels without subtitles or checking voice notes in public.