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

Android 16 is formally out now, and when you have a Pixel 6a or newer, you possibly can obtain the replace proper now. At present, 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 a number 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 gives stronger safeguards in your telephone towards on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nevertheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not notably flashy, however it does characterize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. In the event you 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 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 trying to open the digital camera app, it is most likely price contemplating altering this setting.

The right way 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’s totally straightforward to do. Simply go to Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button and alter the setting to Pockets as an alternative of Digicam. Now, once you double-tap the facility button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets slightly 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 possibly can simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digital camera is what extra folks 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 desire, 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 gives 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 gadget. This implies you possibly can 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 properly, permitting you to set it to any app you favor, slightly than simply opening the digital camera or pockets.

I am glad Google has made this modification although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply received 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.

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