With Android 11 it should have arrived, at least on devices Google Pixel, double tap feature. Nicknamed “Columbus“For reasons related to the cinema that we are not here to see, this would have allowed us to activate the assistant or do many other things. Unfortunately, however, to date, nothing has been detected on these devices. On the contrary on iPhone and other Android the functionality is available. However, it seems that the story will change this year, with the release of Android 12.
The "Columbus" feature, or the double tap for Google Pixel, will return to Android 12 this year as revealed by 9to5google
The evidence brought to us by the team of 9to5google speak of a return of "Columbus", or the double tap on the back of the device, on Google Pixel devices. This is a very special feature that other Android and non-Android devices can enjoy. By default, this gesture is meant to be another way to access the Google Assistant, but it was also capable of being internally configured for various actions such as turning off a timer or snoozing the alarm.
Read also: Android 12 plans to renew the "split screen" feature
It was thought, last year, that the feature should arrive with Android 11 and instead until today nothing has been seen. According to information found by the US team though will make its official appearance on Google phones this year. And what will it do? These are the shortcuts:
- Google Assistant activation
- take a screenshot
- pause / resume media playback
- open the notification panel
- open the recent apps view
Originally the gesture was too sensitive and perhaps that was the reason why Google decided not to continue implementing it. In the new version that should arrive however, it seems that the actions have been coded to work only for "firm touchesAnd not for quick taps.
Having said that, we don't know if Android 12 it will truly bring functionality as these are only predictions and not safeties.
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