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New Android Vitals Metric from Google Aims to Help Developers Reduce App Battery Drain

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Google Introduces Beta Metric to Help Developers Curb Android Battery Drain

Google is rolling out a new beta feature aimed at helping Android app developers tackle a persistent problem: battery drain caused by excessive background activity. As part of its Android Vitals initiative, the company has introduced a new metric that focuses specifically on identifying “excessive wake locks”—a major contributor to unnecessary power consumption when devices are idle.

Wake locks allow apps to keep the device’s CPU running even when the screen is off, enabling tasks like syncing data or downloading content in the background. While useful in moderation, overuse of wake locks can prevent a phone from entering low-power states, leading to significant battery loss. The new Android Vitals metric will alert developers if their app holds partial wake locks for more than three hours in a 24-hour period, which Google considers excessive. Developers can consult updated documentation to better understand and manage these thresholds.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Google to encourage better app performance and energy efficiency across the Android ecosystem. Over time, Google may use these performance indicators to promote well-optimized apps more visibly on the Google Play store. This would not only benefit developers by improving app discoverability but also offer users a clearer path to battery-friendly software.

In support of the initiative, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung are collaborating with Google by providing user experience insights. “We believe this collaboration will lead to a more consistent and positive experience for all Android users,” Samsung stated, expressing its commitment to enhancing app performance and battery life through joint efforts with Google and Android developers.

Google’s Identity Check Security Feature Set to Expand to More Devices with Android 16 Update

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Google is set to expand the availability of its Identity Check security feature to more smartphones with the upcoming Android 16 update. Initially introduced on select Samsung and Google Pixel devices, this feature is designed to offer additional protection against unauthorized access, particularly in the event of a phone theft. When activated, Identity Check requires biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, before any critical settings can be changed. This means that even if a thief gains access to a phone, they won’t be able to alter important configurations or gain control over sensitive data without the proper biometric verification. Apple’s iOS has a similar feature called Stolen Device Protection, which was introduced with iOS 17.3, highlighting a growing trend toward enhancing security in mobile devices.

The feature was recently discovered in the Android 16 beta for the OnePlus 13, as reported by Android Authority. This security tool mirrors the version released in December 2024 for Google Pixel devices through the Android 15 QPR1 update. Samsung also integrated Identity Check with its One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, showing that the feature is gradually becoming a key part of Android’s security architecture. With Android 16’s broader rollout, it is expected that other smartphones, including the OnePlus 13, will soon receive this feature, enhancing the security of a larger array of devices.

The rollout of the Identity Check feature is anticipated to be part of Android 16 updates in the coming months. Devices running Android 16 or those launching with the operating system will likely come equipped with this feature out of the box. However, not all smartphones will be able to support Identity Check. The feature requires the device to be equipped with class 3 biometric authentication, a specification that ensures the biometric data is secure enough to protect sensitive actions. This means that only phones with the appropriate biometric hardware will be able to take advantage of this enhanced security.

Once available, users can easily enable Identity Check by navigating to Settings > Google > Theft Protection > Use Identity Check. When activated, the feature ensures that sensitive actions—like changing the device’s PIN, accessing app passwords, or disabling the Find My Device function—will require biometric authentication. In addition to protecting device settings, Identity Check also safeguards Google accounts on the device. This added layer of protection makes it significantly more difficult for thieves or unauthorized users to take control of a user’s Google account, even if they have access to the device’s passcode. As a result, users can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their data and accounts are secure, even if their phone falls into the wrong hands.

New Google Play Services Update Brings Auto-Restart Security Feature to Android Smartphones

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Google is introducing a new security feature to Android smartphones with the latest Google Play Services update, designed to enhance user data protection. The new feature automatically restarts an Android device if it hasn’t been unlocked for a continuous period of three days. This automatic reboot aims to ensure that any unauthorized attempts to access the device’s data are thwarted, providing an extra layer of security. The feature is also expected to extend to Android tablets, further improving the overall security across Google’s mobile ecosystem.

This update, which is part of the Google Play Services v25.14 update, is designed to activate if a smartphone remains locked for 72 hours. Once this threshold is met, the device will automatically restart, and users will be prompted to enter their passcode upon unlocking the device. This process ensures that all user data on the phone is encrypted, and any biometric unlock features are disabled until the correct passcode is entered. This is known as the Before First Unlock (BFU) state, a security measure that prevents unauthorized access.

The BFU state is crucial because it safeguards the data from potential intruders, such as thieves or anyone trying to access the phone without permission. If the device is rebooted, it automatically enters this state, encrypting all data and disabling biometric authentication. Once the user successfully enters their passcode, the device transitions into the After First Unlock (AFU) state, where biometric authentication and data access are restored. By adding this automatic restart feature, Google is ensuring that user data remains secure, even in situations where a device might be left unattended for several days.

Similar to Apple’s iOS 18.1 update, which introduced an ‘Inactivity Reboot’ feature in October 2024, this Android update aims to enhance the security of personal devices. While Google’s changelog mentions that the automatic restart feature will be available on smartphones, it is likely to be rolled out for Android tablets as well. This feature is optional, allowing users to toggle it on or off, depending on their preference for enhanced security. With this update, Android users can feel more confident that their devices are better protected against unauthorized access.