Nexus 5X Gets Pixel’s Fingerprint Gestures

When Google was listing some of the best features of its new Pixel smartphones late last year, it mentioned that users can just swipe down on the phone’s fingerprint sensor to open their notifications panel. Google hasn’t expanded this feature to any of its Nexus smartphones as yet and those who own one have been wondering if it has any plans of doing it. Google appears to be following through with the latest version of Android 7.1.2.

According to reports, the latest developer preview release of Android 7.1.2 for the Nexus 5X brings this feature which users have often requested. Nexus 5X owners can now swipe down on the fingerprint sensor to reveal notifications, as long as they’re running the developer preview.

Google previously said that it was evaluating the feature so it took some time to decide if it really wanted to offer this on devices other than the Pixel smartphones. This feature is listed under “Moves” in the Settings app for the Nexus 5X once the latest developer preview is installed on the device. This beta build hasn’t been released for the Nexus 6P as yet but there’s a good chance that it’s going to get this feature as well.

Google hasn’t confirmed as yet when Android 7.1.2 is going to be released publicly. Only then will this feature be properly available to all Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P customers. From the looks of it, it may take a couple of months before Android 7.1.2 is rolled out for everybody.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Android 7.1.2, Google, Nexus 5X, Pixel