Five essential Google Pixel tips and tricks

The Google Pixel is a great flagship smartphone that carries Google branding on the market. The only thing that lets you down is the phone’s mediocre battery life and the unfinished Google Assistant.

The Google Pixel offers excellent performance, stunning full HD display and comfortable one-handed operation, making it the hottest item on the market. To help you get the most out of Google’s smartphone, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks covering many of the key things so you can use your Pixel phone like a pro.

1. Google Assistant

Google’s virtual helper, Assistant is among the best highlights of the Pixel phone. Google Assistant strives to improve every day, making what you do most even better and quicker. There are a lot of things Google Assistant can do on your Pixel phone like unlocking your phone, launching apps, locating nearby restaurants and giving sport scores.

On your phone, you simply say “OK Google” and the Assistant will fire up and be ready for your command. Google Assistant is no longer exclusive to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, as it now comes bundles with Android 7.0 Nougat. If you now have a compatible phone, give it a try.

2. Flip camera

The Google Pixel allows you to quickly switch to its 8MP selfie shooter. All you need to do is to perform a double twist when you are in the Google Camera app. This eliminates the need to tap the on-screen button within the Camera app to switch to the 8MP selfie snapper.

To enable Flip camera feature on your Pixel phone, head to Settings, select Moves and turn on the switch for Flip Camera.

3. Return to the last viewed app

One of the most noticeable additions to Android 7.1 Nougat is the ability to return to the last viewed app. To do this, you simply need to double tap the multitasking button located at the bottom of the screen. Once you do that, you will head back to the last app you were viewing. This comes in handy especially if you have two apps running at the same time on your phone and need to jump between the two.

4. Quick launch camera

The Google Pixel includes some handy gestures and shortcuts that make the things you do most much easier. The phone allows you to quickly launch camera by pressing the home button twice. This even works when your phone is locked or the screen is turned off. You can enable quick launch by going to Settings, scroll down to the bottom and tap Moves and tap on the switch next to Jump to Camera.

Besides, you can quickly check your notifications when you pick up your phone. You can turn on the feature by heading to Settings > Moves and toggle on the switch for Lift to check phone.

5. Long-press to reveal more options

With the Pixel phone, Google brings in a 3D Touch-like feature. Basically, when you long-press on any app from your home screen, you will get a pop-up that allows you to perform quick actions. For example, Google Chrome will give you options to instantly launch new tab and new incognito tab.

That’s it! Hope you found these tips and tricks handy. If you have got a favorite, don’t forget to let us know.