Google launched its Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL on October 4. While both handsets are set to hit shelves later this month, newer features and aspects regarding the two smartphones are still coming to light. For instance, a Do Not Disturb feature has been discovered in the handsets, which can be turned on while driving.

What is known about this new feature?

Every year, thousands of road accidents take place as a result of the driver being distracted by their smartphones. While it is illegal to be on a call while driving a vehicle, most people tend to disregard the law.

So, the Google Pixel 2 series has introduced a new feature, dubbed 'Do Not Disturb.' With this functionality turned on, the smartphone will detect when the user is in a moving vehicle and will stop alerting them of any incoming calls or texts.

In the settings menu, users will have to locate the Driving tab. Under this tab, one can locate the option to turn on or turn off the 'Do Not Disturb' feature. While this is a pretty useful feature, it does have its shortcomings.

Firstly, the feature can be freely switched on or off by the user of the smartphone. So, reckless drivers may never take advantage of the functionality. Secondly, the smartphones can detect when the user is in a moving vehicle, but cannot differentiate if they are driving the car or if they are riding along as a passenger.

This means that even passengers who have this feature turned on will not receive the message and call notifications in a moving vehicle.

Similar feature in iOS 11

While the new phones will run on the stock Android 8.0 Oreo platform, the 'Do Not Disturb' while driving feature is also present in Apple's latest operating system, iOS 11.

The functionality is pretty much the same as that of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The iOS 11 feature gets enabled automatically when the iPhones are placed inside a moving vehicle. However, the restrictions are removed if the iPhone detects a Bluetooth connection with headphones, as in such cases drivers can answer calls without having to remove their hands from the car's wheels.

The iOS 11 driving functionality is also completely optional. Users can choose to turn off the said feature completely. However, because these features may help to save lives, it may be best to leave them on. The iOS 11 feature will let 'urgent' messages and calls to pass through on this 'Do Not Disturb' mode, while the same is not allowed on the Pixel 2 devices.