I take advantage of Google Pockets each day and this hidden function made it much more handy

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Android 16 is now accessible on Google Pixel gadgets, and it features a helpful new Google Pockets function.
Earlier than Android 16, double-tapping the ability button solely opened the digital camera app. Now, you modify it to open Google Pockets as a substitute.
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 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 predicted to launch later this yr.

That mentioned, Android 16 does embrace just a few new options so that you can discover, akin to reside replace notifications (much like the iPhone’s reside actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that provides stronger safeguards in your telephone in opposition to on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nonetheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not significantly flashy, however it does symbolize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. For those who often 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 (through Android Authority). Earlier than Android 16, Pixel house owners might solely double-tap the ability 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 most likely price contemplating altering this setting.

Associated

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

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

open Google Pockets rapidly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new function

Android 16 Double press power button setting.

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

Some individuals 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 individuals scramble to achieve sooner 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 ability button to open Apple Pockets. This new Android 16 setting permits my Pixel to do the identical, which I choose, as I usually swap between the 2 gadgets and I wish to maintain comparable functionalities like this if I can.

Samsung gives 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 gives 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 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 might be nice if Google adopted this strategy for Pixel gadgets as nicely, permitting you to set it to any app you like, moderately than simply opening the digital camera or pockets.

I am glad Google has made this alteration 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 function on my Pixel 8a working Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.