Google testing double-tap gesture on rear of Pixel phones to take screenshots

Replace: March 18, 2020 at 5:55 p.m. ET: It appears like Google is expanding the functionality of this loopy double-tap function with Android 11 Developer Preview 2. In accordance with 9to5Google, Android 11 DP2 brings the power to shortly open the app switcher (typically referred to as “overview”) with a double-tap of the telephone’s again. The power to take screenshots has also been added.

On the lookout for much more Android 11 function updates? Head here.

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Unique article: February 21, 2020 at three:14 a.m. ET: Google already presents fingerprint gestures on its older Pixel phones and Motion Sense gestures on its Pixel 4 collection. Nevertheless it seems like the firm is testing another gesture-related function on its Pixel collection.

XDA-Developers has spotted and enabled a brand new gesture system code-named “Columbus” in the Android 11 developer preview for Pixel phones. The system lets you make a double-tap gesture on the again of a Pixel telephone to regulate numerous features.

In line with the outlet, the double-tap gesture permits you to dismiss timers, snooze alarms, launch the digital camera/Google Assistant, play or pause media, collapse the status bar, silence incoming calls, unpin notifications, and begin a “consumer chosen motion.” Take a look at a GIF of the function under, courtesy of XDA.

Google is seemingly implementing several measures to stop unintentional activation of the function, taking charging standing and different elements under consideration. The outlet additionally noted a reference to gesture training related to the Settings app, suggesting a setup process for the function.

Editor's Decide

How Motion Sense works on the Pixel four

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Better of all, the double-tap gesture is confirmed to work on older Pixels in addition to the Pixel 4 collection. So Google is probably going utilizing the accelerometer and gyroscope to enable this function somewhat than exotic hardware like Movement Sense. This theoretically means Google might deliver the completed function to other Android phones normally, however it’s in all probability a Pixel-exclusive capability for now.

We’re glad to see one other shortcut system come to Android telephones in any occasion, following within the footsteps of fingerprint scanner gestures, Active Edge squeezes, and the standard hardware button (e.g. Google Assistant key). But we hope Google follows by means of with allowing users to remap the function.

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