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

Abstract

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

Android 16 is formally out now, and if in case you have a Pixel 6a or newer, you possibly can 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 yr.

That stated, Android 16 does embody just a few new options so that you can discover, equivalent to stay replace notifications (much 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.

Nevertheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not notably flashy, but it surely does characterize a major quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. When you steadily use Google Pockets for on a regular basis purchases, like shortly 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 means that you can 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 fee (by way of 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.

Associated

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

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

The right way to open Google Pockets shortly with Android 16

Google is taking part in 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 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 an alternative of Digital camera. Now, while you double-tap the facility button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets somewhat than the digital camera app, permitting you to shortly choose a card and make a purchase order with it.

Some individuals could argue that it is higher to maintain the double-press setting on the digital camera app, as a result of you possibly can simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digital camera is what extra individuals scramble to achieve 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 facility button to open Apple Pockets. This new Android 16 setting permits my Pixel to do the identical, which I favor, as I usually change between the 2 gadgets and I wish to hold comparable functionalities like this if I can.

Samsung offers considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the facility button.

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

It could be nice if Google adopted this strategy for Pixel gadgets as nicely, permitting you to set it to any app you favor, somewhat 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’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.