I take advantage of Google Pockets every single 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 may obtain the replace proper now. At the moment, Android 16 is a comparatively small replace that lays the muse 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 couple of new options so that you can discover, reminiscent of dwell replace notifications (much like the iPhone’s dwell actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that gives stronger safeguards to your telephone towards on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nonetheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not significantly flashy, but it surely does characterize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. For those who ceaselessly 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 trying to open the digital camera app, it is in all probability value contemplating altering this setting.

The best way to open Google Pockets rapidly with Android 16

Google is taking part in meet up with this new characteristic

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as a substitute 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 a substitute of Digicam. Now, whenever you double-tap the ability button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets somewhat 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 quicker as a substitute.

That is a sound 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 units and I prefer 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 ability button. You possibly can set it to open not solely the digital camera app but in addition any app in your system. This implies you may set it to Google Pockets, X, Instagram, TikTok, or no matter app you need to open immediately.

It might be nice if Google adopted this strategy for Pixel units as properly, permitting you to set it to any app you like, somewhat than simply opening the digital camera or pockets.

I am pleased Google has made this transformation although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply acquired far more handy due to it. You possibly can 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.

Associated

5 Pixel features I always switch on right away

Google’s Pixel smartphones have a ton of extra options. Listed below are those you need to check out first.