How to remap the squeeze functionality on the Google Pixel 2

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The all-new Google Pixel 2 has this really cool but odd feature that lets you squeeze the side of the phone to launch Google Assistant. But what if you don’t want it to launch Google Assistant and instead have it launch something else?

Well, thanks to a newly launched app called Button Mapper, it allows users to “Remap your buttons to launch any app, shortcut or custom action,” states the Google Play description. However, according to XDA, you’re not really re-mapping anything, rather, the app is transcribing instructions to launch Assistant and inserting another command instead.

To get a better idea of how it works, check out the video below where it shows all the sorts of functions you can change. For example, launching the flashlight, starting up an app of your choosing, use your volume buttons to adjust screen brightness, double click the back button to see your notifications, and a whole lot more.

Read More: Review: Google Pixel 2 XL

The only problem with this app is that Google can shut it down at any time. The app requires users to grant special permissions to get the app working. XDA runs down the details on the steps you need to take to get it up and running.

This should be a wakeup call to phone manufacturers: Give us the power to re-map buttons on a device we paid over $800 for.

► XDA via The Verge

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com or find him on Mastodon or Post.