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You can enable one of Google Pixel’s coolest features on other Android phones

Published Nov 3rd, 2016 2:11PM EDT
Google Pixel Fingerprint Gestures

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Google’s Pixel phones have some unique features that you can’t get on other Android devices. Google’s Assistant is one of them, and it’s not even available on Google’s older Nexus handsets. Another neat trick is the Fingerprint Quick Actions paired with the fingerprint sensor on the back of the handsets. It’ll be a while before you can get deep Assistant integration on your non-Pixel phone, but the Pixel’s nifty fingerprint scanner tricks can now be added to other Android devices with ease.

DON’T MISS: We finally figured out why Google’s Pixel looks so much like an iPhone

The Pixel’s fingerprint sensor acts as a sort of touchpad. For example, you can swipe down on it and the notification shade drops down. That’s a handy trick that some people might want to use on other devices.

Luckily for them, xda-developers user ztc1997 came up with an application that enables the feature on any phone. Once you install it, you’ll have to head over to Settings, scroll down to Accessibility, tap on Fingerprint Quick Actions, and then enable the feature. It’s really that easy.

Once that’s done, you’ll be able to customize the kind of gestures you want to pair with the fingerprint sensor directly from the applications. There are various actions to choose from, just check the video below.

The somewhat bad news is that the app isn’t officially available from the Google Play Store. We usually advise users not to download mobile apps from unofficial sources, especially on Android, where side-loading apps is possible. So proceed with caution and read more about it right here.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.