Google has introduced the fingerprint gesture feature on Android 7.1.2 developer preview for the Nexus 5X. Prior to this, the much beloved feature was only available on Google’s Pixel smartphones. Interestingly, the developer preview has not been released for the Nexus 6P yet, but it should be released soon enough.
For those who aren’t aware, the fingerprint gesture feature allows one to pull down the notification shade on a supported smartphone merely by swiping down on the fingerprint sensor. Many Nexus 6P and 5X owners were left disappointed and some infuriated with Google for not introducing this feature on Android 7.1 – well, be sad no more, folks.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that the Android 7.1.2 developer preview is currently only made available for folks who are enrolled in the Android Beta program. Instructions on how to participate in the aforementioned program and installing Android 7.1.2 Beta image can be found here, but do this at your own risk.
Those aside, there are some rather sad news for folks who are still using Google’s Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 smartphones. According to CNET “both smartphones will no longer be supported in the public beta or receive the OTA update for Android 7.1.2.” This, of course, signals the ‘end of life’ for Google’s former flagship smartphones. However, Google isn’t going to ditch both smartphones for good just yet – the company will still be providing security patches for at least one year.
(Source: 9to5google, CNET)
