Microsoft added its own Digital Health feature to its Android launcher app

Microsoft added its own digital health feature to its Android launcher app, just when Google added a similar feature to its Android Pie. Microsoft’s launcher will let any Android users have the ability to track how long apps are being used for. You can track screen time, app usage, and the number of times you’ve unlocked your phone. This app is supported on Android 4.2 and above, which opens a digital health feature access to all Android users.

The latest update of Microsoft Launcher 5.1 also includes To-Do and Sticky Notes integration, which will help you to synchronize your tasks and notes from these apps. Microsoft is also adding in “Hey Cortana” support to launch the digital assistant from this Android launcher.

Microsoft Launcher 5.1 has a built in Digital Health feature :O pic.twitter.com/J6mj97QS04

— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) November 21, 2018

Over the past few years, Microsoft has been reportedly updating its Android launcher consistently, helping the software giant embrace Android as the mobile version of Windows. Earlier this year, Microsoft added family-focused features and support for the Windows 10 Timeline feature that allows you to resume apps and sites across all devices. Microsoft Launcher 5.1 is available as a beta version from the Google Play Store and should be out to all users in a few weeks.

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Facebook ends the forced arbitration for sexual harassment complaints

Following a similar incident at Google yesterday, Facebook has also stopped to force employees to settle sexual harassment claims in private arbitration. According to The Wall Street Journal, Facebook reportedly made the announcement to employees internally today, and vice president of people Lori Goler told the Journal that it wants to “be part of taking the next step” at “a pivotal moment” in the tech industry.

Facebook also announced an updated policy on dating within the staffs, requiring executives to disclose any romantic relationship with another staff, even if they aren’t overseeing that staff’s work.

Few top tech companies including Uber, Microsoft, and Lyft have dropped forced arbitration clauses from sexual harassment claims. However, Google’s change was particularly exposed because it was made after an estimated 20 percent of employees participated in a mass walkout protest last week. Arbitration was actually one of the protester’s demands, and their negotiations with Google still in process.

According to Lori Goler’s statement with the Journals, she said sexual harassment has been discussed widely within Facebook, but she apparently didn’t discuss any more sweeping changes to company. Facebook published its complete internal harassment policy late 2017, during the first months of the MeToo movement against sexual assault and harassment. But Facebook defended its forced arbitration policy earlier this year, calling the process ‘’official and appropriate.”

Anthony Harrison, corporate media relations director confirmed in a statement that Facebook was making arbitration optional. “We are publishing our updated Workplace Relationships policy today and amending our arbitration agreements to make arbitration a choice rather than a requirement in sexual harassment claims,” he told The Verge. “Sexual harassment is something that we take very seriously, and there is no place for it at Facebook.”

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