I exploit Google Pockets on daily basis and this hidden function made it much more handy

Android 16 is formally out now, and you probably have a Pixel 6a or newer, you may obtain the replace proper now. Presently, Android 16 is a comparatively small replace that lays the inspiration for Google’s future plans, together with its Material Expressive 3 design language, which is anticipated to launch later this 12 months.

That mentioned, Android 16 does embody a number of new options so that you can discover, resembling dwell replace notifications (much like the iPhone’s dwell actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that gives stronger safeguards in your cellphone in opposition to on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nonetheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not notably flashy, nevertheless it does signify a major quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. When you regularly use Google Pockets for on a regular basis purchases, like rapidly grabbing a espresso, this new setting Google has added to Android 16 will make it simpler than ever to entry Google Pockets on Pixel gadgets.

Google has launched a brand new setting that lets you double-tap the facility button to open Google Wallet, making it simpler and faster to entry the app, choose a card, and make a contactless cost (through Android Authority). Earlier than Android 16, Pixel house owners may solely double-tap the facility button to open the digital camera app. Whereas this was useful, if you end up making extra Google Pockets purchases all through the day than making an attempt to open the digital camera app, it is in all probability price contemplating altering this setting.

open Google Pockets rapidly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new function

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as a substitute of the digital camera app, it’s extremely straightforward to do. Simply go to Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button and alter the setting to Pockets as a substitute of Digital camera. Now, while you double-tap the facility button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets relatively than the digital camera app, permitting you to rapidly choose a card and make a purchase order with it.

Some folks might argue that it is higher to maintain the double-press setting on the digital camera app, as a result of you may simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digital camera is what extra folks scramble to achieve quicker as a substitute.

That is a legitimate level, however as somebody who has used an iPhone most of their life, I am very used to double-pressing the facility button to open Apple Pockets. This new Android 16 setting permits my Pixel to do the identical, which I want, as I usually change between the 2 gadgets and I wish to hold related functionalities like this if I can.

Whereas it is good to see Google lastly implement this with Android 16, it nonetheless lags behind Samsung. With One UI 7, Samsung gives considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the facility button. You possibly can set it to open not solely the digital camera app but in addition any app in your machine. This implies you may set it to Google Pockets, X, Instagram, TikTok, or no matter app you want to open immediately.

It will be nice if Google adopted this strategy for Pixel gadgets as effectively, permitting you to set it to any app you like, relatively than simply opening the digital camera or pockets.

I am comfortable Google has made this variation although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply acquired far more handy due to it. You possibly can obtain Android 16 now on a Pixel 6a and newer. I examined this function on my Pixel 8a operating Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.

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