After the recent wave of Android 7.1 Nougat update deployments, Google officially started the testing period for the next OS version, 7.1.2. With the new build available on the public beta platform, many had believed that the newest iteration of Google’s software will only feature minimal changes and nothing of groundbreaking importance. That’s mostly the case, but the new patch also includes a new feature that will be available for Android users soon enough.
Unfortunately, the build is not yet accessible by the entire Android community. For the moment, only Google phone owners can check out the update. The smartphones that classify as Google phones are the new Pixel devices, specifically Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL. Additionally, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P users will also be allowed to download the firmware. Google’s proprietary handsets were launched with the company’s Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, giving them quite the edge on other brands.
Nexus owners rejoice
The new 7.1.2 build includes a feature that many people appreciated when it first came out on Pixel devices. An exclusive feature for Pixel models until now, Swipe for Notifications is now available for the Nexus handsets eligible for the beta firmware.
So what is this feature exactly? Well, you know how on most smartphones you can swipe across your screen to bring up the notifications panel? Now you will be able to do that directly from the device’s fingerprint sensor. Just swipe across the sensor and your notification screen should roll out on the screen. It’s a great way to reduce time spent between useful tasks performed on the device.
Where to find it
If you own a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P, you will be able to activate this feature from the phone’s Settings section. There, you will find a subcategory called Moves, which includes the aforementioned, recently introduced feature.
There’s no word yet on when Google plans on including more devices on the Android 7.1.2 beta shortlist, but chances are that time will arrive soon, as it will be impractical for the company to hold a beta test with just four smartphones participating.
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