You may recall that we told you last March about a function that Google allegedly planned to include Android phones for Pixel 11. The feature has the code name “Columbus” and allowed users to double-tap on the back of their Pixel handset to activate certain features; this action will be set by default to enable Google Assistant, but can be customized to download the timer, launch the camera, play / pause media, fold status bar, mute incoming phone calls, snooze alarms, unlock notifications, start the camera, set an alarm, take a screenshot and more.
When Android 11 was released, “Columbus” was not found in the new Android version. But, information viewed by 9to5Google indicates that the “Double tap” movement on Android 12. will end. This would replace the Active Edge press feature not found on the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5. The dual tap allows Pixel users to do the following:
- Activate Google Assistant
- Take a screenshot
- Pause / resume media play
- Open the notification screen
- Open the recent application view
The version of ‘Double tap’ coming to Android 12 will apparently require users to type a fixed tap to register the input to prevent a feature from being accidentally activated. “Double tap” can also be completely disabled if the user wants it.
While Google has decided not to include this feature in Android 11, Apple did include a similar feature with iOS 14. From the Accessibility menu found in Settings, those using an iPhone with iOS 14 or later can turn on ‘Back Tap’. Allows you to select one of the different actions that you can activate with a double tap on the back of the phone, and one other action that will take place with a triple tap. For example, a double tap on the author’s iPhone 11 Pro Max will result in a screenshot being taken; a triple tap opens the Google Assistant app.