Google is currently testing a new product called Triangle – an Android app designed to help users manage their mobile data.
The app, which has been launched in beta in the Philippines, allows users to keep track of their mobile data usage and check their remaining balance.
What marks this tool from similar offers is the ‘Data Saver’ feature which enables users to control unwanted background data usage, block individual apps from eating up data, and set short time frames for data usage on an app-by-app basis in increments of 10, 30 or 60 minutes.
For participating networks Globe and Smart, there is also a rewards system for prepaid users. Customers can receive extra data allowance in exchange for installing certain apps, or can earn the chance to download particular apps for free without using any of their data allowance.
For now, this rewards feature is only available with a limited number of Google-recommended apps, including Waze and Mobile Legends.
The app currently promises a bonus 100MB of data as a welcome gift for Philippine users following registration.
When asked about the trial, a Google representative commented: ‘We’re currently doing tests in the Philippines on ways to help users better manage their mobile data. We have nothing further to announce at this time.’
Depending on its success in the Philippines, Google is expected to roll the app out across other emerging markets and regions where data is expensive and paid on a strict per-MB basis.
The Philippines has proved a popular test bed for data and connectivity trials. Last year, Nokia and Smart achieved successful 5G test speeds of 2.6Gbps over 100Mhz, with one second of latency.
The tests trialled Nokia’s AirScale platform for IoT connectivity, and form part of a long-term collaboration with Smart to advance 5G research and development.
