Pixel 2’s Active Edge can be remapped with Button Mapper app

Squeezing smartphones is an undeniably odd action that some people (like myself) have grown fond of.

Edge Sense on the HTC U11 allows users to launch any app on their smartphone and perform in-app actions, such as pausing music in Spotify, while the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are only able to launch Google Assistant and silence phone calls.

However, The Verge discovered that with the Button Mapper app — found in the Play Store — Pixel 2 and 2 XL owners can now remap the device’s squeeze action.

Though Button Mapper seems to remap Active Edge, it actually intercepts the direction to open Assistant, and instead pushes out another command, such as instructing the device to launch the flashlight.

Button Mapper can be used to launch a variety of apps, including the camera, the calculator and even Google Chrome. Additionally, users can perform other functions such as toggling silent and vibrate, taking a screenshot or turning off the screen.

Useful as this is, it’s possible Google could disable this functionality at some point. When the Galaxy S8 first released, a third-party app allowed the device’s Bixby button to be remapped. Samsung quickly disabled the app’s compatibility with the Bixby button.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Button Mapper requires ‘sensitive permissions’ before it starts working and can in some cases cause lag.

Google may also add new features to the Active Edge with an over the air (OTA) update, like HTC did with its U11.

Via: The Verge