Google testing double-tap gesture on rear of Pixel phones

Google already offers fingerprint gestures on its older Pixel phones and Motion Sense gestures on its Pixel 4 series. But it looks like the firm is testing another gesture-related feature on its Pixel series.

XDA-Developers has spotted and enabled a new gesture system code-named “Columbus” in the Android 11 developer preview for Pixel phones. The system allows you to make a double-tap gesture on the back of a Pixel phone to control various functions.

According to the outlet, the double-tap gesture allows you to dismiss timers, snooze alarms, launch the camera/Google Assistant, play or pause media, collapse the status bar, silence incoming calls, unpin notifications, and start a “user selected action.” Check out a GIF of the feature below, courtesy of XDA.

Google is apparently implementing several measures to prevent accidental activation of the feature, taking charging status and other factors into account. The outlet also noted a reference to gesture training associated with the Settings app, suggesting a setup process for the feature.