Google released two world’s top camera phones in 2017 and they were Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. Aside being the world’s top 2017 camera phones, they also have a few cool tricks up their sleeves. So let’s explore some of the coolest Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL tricks that we have gathered for you.
Some Cool Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Tricks
Here, there are seven (7) cool google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 tricks that should spice up your usage of the device – or motivate you to go get one.
- Use The Hidden Dark Theme
If you have used the dark theme on Windows Phone or Windows Mobile 10 smartphones, or even the dark theme on the Twitter Android app, you will be ecstatic to know that there is a dark theme hidden in the two Pixel 2 devices. Activating it requires a bit of work though, so if you don’t mind getting technical, click HERE for tips on how to do it.
- Uncover The Hidden Menu Button
Another hidden feature? Yes. At first glance, the Pixel 2 phones do not seem to have a menu button, but they do. Besides the standard Back button, Home button, and multitasking button is a fourth menu button hidden in the lower right corner, next to the multitasking button.
To uncover/use it, tap on the blank space to the right of the multitasking button. It isn’t supported in all apps, but if an app supports it, you’ll feel a vibration and a menu will open up.
- Squeeze Your Phone To Do This Or That
The HTC U11 is not the only squeezable smartphone out there. The Pixel 2 and 2 XL have a feature named Active Edge that is built in and can be assigned to do a number of things. By default, it activates Google Assistant, but you can change its settings so it activates other utilities.
For example, you can set it to take a screenshot, to mute alarms, or to silence an incoming call. Just head into the phone
Settings -> System -> Gestures -> Active Edge.
- Twist It To Switch Between Cameras
If you are using the stock Google camera app on your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL and want to quickly switch to the front or rear camera, simply twist your phone in a screwdriver-like motion.
- Automatically connect to Wi-Fi
Would you like to keep your phone’s Wi-Fi switched off by default but turn on and connect automatically to your hotspot when you get to the office or home? If you own a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, Bob’s your uncle!
The ability to automatically turn Wi-Fi on when near a known and saved Wi-Fi network is built into both phones. Sadly, and a bit inconveniencing, it isn’t able to automatically turn off Wi-Fi when out of reach of those known/saved networks. Bummer. What were they thinking?
- Disable Google App News Page
If you are like Mister Mo, you probably find the Google App page on the left of some Android smartphones’ home screens irritating. The Pixel 2 phones let you disable this page. Long press on the wallpaper to open the Home Settings menu where there is the option to disable it. Yay!
- Switch To Previous App Used
Here is something that looks like it was taken from the Windows Phone and Windows Mobile 10 play book. You can easily switch to the last app you used before switching to the current app by double pressing the multitasking button (AKA Recent Apps) button.
Those are all the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL tricks and tips that we have for you. Now go and checkout all the above on your device.
