Google must take notes from Samsung and repair this Android setting

When Android 16 launched again in June, one of many new options I used to be most excited to strive on my Pixel was the power to vary what occurs if you double-press the power button.

Earlier than Android 16, your solely choices had been to have it open the digital camera app or flip the characteristic off solely. That was it. However with Android 16, Google lastly added the power to launch Google Pockets as an alternative of the digital camera, much like how double-pressing the ability button on an iPhone opens Apple Pockets.

I instantly set my Pixel 8a so {that a} double-press of the ability button opens Google Pockets, and coming from an iPhone, it genuinely made my Pixel higher to make use of on daily basis. I repeatedly use my telephone to pay for issues like gasoline, espresso, and groceries, so having Google Pockets only a fast double-press away makes an actual distinction.

Nonetheless, as good because it was to see Google lastly increase the characteristic on Pixel telephones with Android 16, I could not assist however take into consideration how Samsung has already been doing this and, frankly, doing it higher with One UI on its Galaxy units. Let me clarify.

Samsung has the higher hand over Google right here

Google, please simply copy how Samsung permits you to customise this shortcut

Whereas One UI is constructed on Android, one of many standout tweaks Samsung has made, amongst many others, is providing you with full management over what occurs if you double-press the ability button.

By default, identical to on a Pixel, double-pressing the ability button on a Galaxy telephone opens the digital camera. However in the event you’d somewhat have it launch one thing else, you may set it to open any app you need, reminiscent of Google Pockets, Samsung Pockets, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Google Messages, and even flip in your telephone’s flashlight.

That is a stark distinction in comparison with Pixel telephones. As I famous earlier, even with Android 16, your selections are restricted to only two: opening the digital camera or launching Google Pockets. That is all.

So my plea to Google is a straightforward one: with Android 17 later this yr, please allow us to customise double-pressing the ability button to open any app we wish, identical to Samsung lets Galaxy customers do.

I have been utilizing my Galaxy S25+ loads lately, in anticipation of the Galaxy S26 series launching quickly, and having this shortcut set to open no matter app I need has been extraordinarily helpful. Proper now, I’ve it set to Google Messages, however I’ve beforehand used it for Google Pockets and Spotify.

It truthfully boggles my thoughts that Google nonetheless limits the ability of this shortcut, particularly since Samsung customers have been in a position to absolutely customise it for years now. So I feel it is about time Google lastly fastened this.

With all that in thoughts, in case you have a Google Pixel, you may change what double-pressing the ability button does by heading to Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button.

On a Samsung Galaxy, you may discover the choice beneath Settings > Superior options > Aspect button > Double press. If you’d like it to open a particular app, faucet the App choice, then select the one you need from the checklist.