A feature designed to prevent damage to the display of devices running the Android operating system. This functionality typically activates after a period of user inactivity and displays a dynamic or static image, animation, or collection of information. For instance, it might show a clock, photographs from a designated album, or a series of colors.
This mechanism serves several purposes, including extending the lifespan of the device’s screen by mitigating burn-in, especially in older display technologies. Beyond preservation, it can also present useful information at a glance and, in some instances, enhance the device’s aesthetic when idle. Its origins lie in early computing where prolonged static images could damage CRT monitors; while modern displays are less susceptible, the practice persists for the aforementioned supplementary advantages.