Google Assistant Could Be Soon Summoned With Power Button in Android Phones

Google Assistant’s new trigger may be released with Android 12.

Advertisement
By Satvik Khare | Updated: 11 May 2021 19:41 IST
Highlights
  • Google Assistant could also be triggered using double tap back gesture
  • The virtual assistant can be summoned with many other options
  • The new Google Assistant feature may be released with Android 12
Google Assistant Could Be Soon Summoned With Power Button in Android Phones

Google Assistant could be triggered by long-pressing the power button

Google Assistant could soon be summoned using the power button on Android smartphones, according to a report. The virtual assistant can currently be triggered using wake words like “Ok Google” and “Hey Google”, or swipe gestures on smartphones. Some phones also feature a dedicated button for Google Assistant. But Google could soon add a power button trigger for Google Assistant with the launch of Android 12, making dedicated buttons redundant. Although, some Chinese brands already offer this functionality with their custom Android skins. The mention of the new feature was found in the codes of the Google App latest release.

The upcoming feature for Google Assistant was first spotted by XDA-Developers. The publication conducted a teardown of the latest Google App release (12.18.6.29) that revealed a string of codes that suggest Google may add the power button trigger for the virtual assistant in Android 12. According to the report, Google Assistant could be summoned by long-pressing the power button.

This feature could in enabled in settings. XDA-Developers' Mishaal Rahman was able to spot the new setting on a Pixel 3 XL smartphone running on a developer build of Android 12. But the option could not be enabled.

Currently, Google Assistant can be summoned by using either of the two commands — “Ok Google” or “Hey Google.” Users can also long-press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on their Android smartphones if they use the full-screen gestures. Alternatively, some Google Pixel devices can be squeezed on the sides to activate the virtual assistant. Companies like Nokia and LG have a dedicated button for Google Assistant as well.

Advertisement

Google is also reportedly working on bringing a double-tap back gesture to summon the virtual assistant. But that might not come with the launch of Android 12.

Additionally, XDA-Developers were also able to discover some upcoming features in the teardown of the Google app. Android 12 will make it easier for users to authorise payments while the phone is connected to Android Auto or is unlocked. The feature will let users bypass security or skip entering the password altogether. Even though the feature is yet to be released, it is still recommended to only activate the feature if your phone is not left unattended by you for long periods of time. Anyone who has access to your phone while it is connected to Android Auto or is unlocked may be able make payments.

Advertisement


Is Mi 11 Ultra the best phone you can buy at Rs. 70,000? We discussed this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.
 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Google, Google Assistant, Android 12
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. NASA Satellite Detects Tree Leaf Changes as Early Volcano Eruption Warning Signal
  1. NASA Satellite Detects Tree Leaf Changes as Early Volcano Eruption Warning Signal
  2. Russian Researchers Discover 11 New Active Galactic Nuclei In Spektr-RG X-ray Survey
  3. New Study Reveals Recent Ice Gains in Antarctica, But Long-Term Melting Continues
  4. Astronomers Discover Teleios, A Supernova Remnant with Perfect Symmetry
  5. NASA’s SWOT Satellite Reveals Big Impact of Small Ocean Currents and Waves in n Marine Ecosystems
  6. Ironheart OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch Marvel’s Upcoming Mini Series?
  7. NASA’s Europa Clipper Captures Stunning Infrared Image of Mars
  8. Captain America: Brave New World OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch Marvel Movie Online?
  9. Iyer in Arabia Now Streaming on SunNXT: What You Need to Know About Shine Tom Chacko, Arfaz Iqbal Starrer Malayalam Comedy Film
  10. Manamey Tamil Version Now Streaming on Aha: Everything You Need to Know
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.