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

Android 16 is formally out now, and if in case you have a Pixel 6a or newer, you may obtain the replace proper now. At the moment, 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 embody a couple of new options so that you can discover, akin to stay replace notifications (just like the iPhone’s stay actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that provides stronger safeguards to your cellphone 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 major 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 units.

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 may 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 in all probability price contemplating altering this setting.

Learn how to open Google Pockets rapidly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new characteristic

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as an alternative of the digital camera app, it is very straightforward 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, while you double-tap the ability 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 succeed in sooner 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 change between the 2 units 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 supplies considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the ability button. You may set it to open not solely the digital camera app but in addition any app in your gadget. This implies you may set it to Google Pockets, X, Instagram, TikTok, or no matter app you need to open immediately.

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

I am glad Google has made this modification although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply bought rather more handy due to it. You may obtain Android 16 now on a Pixel 6a and newer. I examined this characteristic on my Pixel 8a operating Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.

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