Google reveals new OS featuring artificial intelligence to help STOP smartphone addiction

Smartphone addiction is a very real problem that afflicts millions of people – but Google are now trying to do something about it.

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) will be utilised to help users spend less time on their screens at the company’s annual I/O developer conference.

Mr Pichai unveiled features that use machine learning to understand user habits and help them switch off from their phone when necessary.

Among the new features were notifications to YouTube urging users to take a break after watching a series of videos.

There is also a new Dashboard app which shows users how they’re spending time on their phone as a way to improve time management.

The firm also announced a new digital wellbeing site that would give advice on how to cut down on tech use.

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Mr Pichai said Google hoped that rather than the ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO), the company wanted to help people discover the ‘joy of missing out’ (JOMO).

The event was also used to provide a first look at the next version of the Android mobile operating system.

Currently known as Android P, the new software will also use AI heavily to help streamline battery use to only the most frequently used apps.

Google said it was also working on AI technology that is able to make phone calls on behalf of users to confirm reservations and appointments known as Google Duplex.

Mr Pichai said the firm was working hard to get the technology right before releasing it.