I exploit Google Pockets day by day and this hidden characteristic made it much more handy

Abstract

Android 16 is now out there on Google Pixel gadgets, and it features a useful new Google Pockets characteristic.
Earlier than Android 16, double-tapping the ability button solely opened the digicam app. Now, you alter it to open Google Pockets as an alternative.
You’ll be able to change this setting in your Pixel machine with Android 16 beneath Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button.

Android 16 is formally out now, and when you’ve got a Pixel 6a or newer, you’ll be able to obtain the replace proper now. At present, Android 16 is a comparatively small replace that lays the muse for Google’s future plans, together with its Material Expressive 3 design language, which is anticipated to launch later this yr.

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

Nevertheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not significantly flashy, nevertheless it does symbolize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. For those who continuously 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 permits you to double-tap the ability button to open Google Wallet, making it simpler and faster to entry the app, choose a card, and make a contactless fee (by way of Android Authority). Earlier than Android 16, Pixel homeowners might solely double-tap the ability button to open the digicam app. Whereas this was useful, if you end up making extra Google Pockets purchases all through the day than trying to open the digicam app, it is in all probability price contemplating altering this setting.

Associated

Android 16 has arrived with a bonus feature drop for Pixel phones

Android 16 is formally out there in secure type, and Google-branded smartphones are about to obtain a June Pixel Drop to sweeten the deal, too.

The way to open Google Pockets rapidly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new characteristic

Android 16 Double press power button setting.

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as an alternative of the digicam app, it is very simple to do. Simply go to Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button and alter the setting to Pockets as an alternative of Digital camera. Now, whenever you double-tap the ability button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets reasonably than the digicam app, permitting you to rapidly choose a card and make a purchase order with it.

Some folks could argue that it is higher to maintain the double-press setting on the digicam app, as a result of you’ll be able to simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digicam is what extra folks scramble to succeed in quicker as an alternative.

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 ability button to open Apple Pockets. This new Android 16 setting permits my Pixel to do the identical, which I favor, as I typically swap between the 2 gadgets and I prefer to maintain comparable functionalities like this if I can.

Samsung supplies considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the ability button.

Whereas it is good to see Google lastly implement this with Android 16, it nonetheless lags behind Samsung. With One UI 7, Samsung supplies considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the ability button. You’ll be able to set it to open not solely the digicam app but additionally any app in your machine. This implies you’ll be able to 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 method for Pixel gadgets as properly, permitting you to set it to any app you like, reasonably than simply opening the digicam or pockets.

I am glad Google has made this transformation although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply obtained way more handy due to it. You’ll be able to obtain Android 16 now on a Pixel 6a and newer. I examined this characteristic on my Pixel 8a working Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.