Android 16 is great, but changing this one setting makes it better

Google’s Android 16 update is now obtainable for Pixels, and like a lot of you, I eagerly rushed to replace my cellphone as quickly as the brand new software program was reside. Regardless that Android 16 isn’t essentially the most thrilling OS improve we’ve ever seen (the really big changes are coming in Android 16 QPR1), a brand new Android replace remains to be thrilling, irrespective of how small.

Android 16 has been operating splendidly on my Pixel 9a to this point. It’s not a drastic replace, but it surely’s clean, responsive, and the little tweaks right here and there are a lot appreciated. It’s a great replace out of the field, however I’ve been having fun with it much more after altering one particular setting.

For years now, double-tapping the ability button on Pixel telephones has launched the digicam. It’s how most Android telephones work, and it’s an objectively good shortcut to have. Nonetheless, as somebody who generally goes a number of days with out utilizing the digicam, it’s not at all times essentially the most useful for the best way I take advantage of my cellphone.

Fortunately, Android 16 lastly allows you to change this to one thing else.

From the Settings app, scroll down, faucet System, faucet Gestures, after which faucet Double press energy button. From right here, you’ll see which you can now change the ability button double-tap shortcut to open Google Pockets as an alternative of the digicam. And you already know what? It guidelines.

Whereas I don’t use my cellphone’s digicam app on a regular basis, I’m consistently utilizing Google Pockets for one cause or one other. It comprises all of my bank cards, my library card, film tickets (which I’ve fairly often, residing subsequent door to a movie show), my medical health insurance card, and extra. I discover myself utilizing Google Pockets nearly each different day and, in some instances, a number of instances per day — definitely extra usually than I take advantage of the digicam.

I think about that’s not the case for everybody, however in my scenario, having Google Pockets only a double-tap away is great. Is accessing it from an app icon on my dwelling display screen tough? Definitely not. However I  love the physicality of getting Pockets tied to a button like this. With the ability to double-tap the ability button as I’m pulling my Pixel 9a out of my pocket, so Google Pockets is instantly able to go, is such a pleasant comfort.

I didn’t anticipate such a easy setting to be so useful, however now that I’ve lived with it for a few days, I don’t suppose I’ll be going again to the previous digicam shortcut. Swapping the double-tap gesture to Google Pockets is such a pleasant choice to have, and I’m thrilled Google added it to Android 16.

As comfortable as I’m with the Google Pockets choice for double-tap in Android 16, I hope it’s simply the beginning of even larger adjustments. A selection between the digicam and Google Pockets is nice, however there’s nonetheless a lot extra Google might do right here.

Samsung, for instance, allows you to map the double-tap shortcut on its telephones to open the digicam, flashlight, magnifier, voice recorder, Samsung Notes, Routines, or take a screenshot. And if none of these curiosity you, you’ll be able to configure it to open any app put in in your cellphone — together with Google Pockets.

Google has a protracted solution to go earlier than we obtain that degree of customization on Pixel telephones, however I wish to suppose that the Google Pockets choice in Android 16 means extra selections are on the best way. You could need to double-tap the ability button to do one thing apart from launch the digicam or Google Pockets, and I hope you get that choice quickly.

However hey, if that’s not the case, at the very least we now have some say in what the double-tap shortcut does. I’m stoked that mine is now tied to Google Pockets, and if you happen to simply downloaded Android 16 or are doing so quickly, I extremely suggest checking it out.