I take advantage of Google Pockets day-after-day and this hidden function made it much more handy

Android 16 is formally out now, and you probably have a Pixel 6a or newer, you may 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 predicted to launch later this 12 months.

That stated, Android 16 does embody just a few new options so that you can discover, comparable 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 telephone in opposition to on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nonetheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not notably flashy, nevertheless it does symbolize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. Should you incessantly 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 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 cost (through Android Authority). Earlier than Android 16, Pixel homeowners might solely double-tap the ability button to open the digicam app. Whereas this was useful, if you end up making extra Google Pockets purchases all through the day than trying to open the digicam app, it is most likely price contemplating altering this setting.

Methods to open Google Pockets shortly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new function

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as a substitute of the digicam 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 digicam app, permitting you to shortly 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 digicam app, as a result of you may simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digicam is what extra folks 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 desire, as I usually change between the 2 units and I prefer to preserve comparable 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 digicam app but additionally 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 could be nice if Google adopted this method for Pixel units as effectively, permitting you to set it to any app you like, somewhat than simply opening the digicam or pockets.

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

Associated

5 Pixel features I always switch on right away

Google’s Pixel smartphones have a ton of extra options. Listed here are those you must check out first.