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

Android 16 is formally out now, and when you have a Pixel 6a or newer, you may 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 12 months.

That stated, Android 16 does embrace a number of new options so that you can discover, reminiscent of reside replace notifications (just like the iPhone’s reside actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that gives stronger safeguards in 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, nevertheless it does symbolize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. For those who often 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 units.

Google has launched a brand new setting that means that you can 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 cost (by way of 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 value contemplating altering this setting.

Tips on how to open Google Pockets shortly with Android 16

Google is taking part in meet up with this new function

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, whenever you double-tap the ability button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets slightly than the digital camera app, permitting you to shortly 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 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 desire, as I typically swap between the 2 units and I wish to maintain 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 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 strategy for Pixel units as effectively, permitting you to set it to any app you favor, slightly than simply opening the digital camera or pockets.

I am comfortable Google has made this transformation although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply obtained way more handy due to it. You may obtain Android 16 now on a Pixel 6a and newer. I examined this function on my Pixel 8a operating Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.

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