Google has officially released Android 9.0 (Pie), which will be the new operating system for all Google Pixel smartphones. The successor to Android Oreo comes with several upgrades; a more round and colorful interface, Google Dashboard, and Adaptive Battery, which adapts to save battery life depending on the features or apps being used. But, the most distinguished feature is the gesture-based navigation system.
However, the feature isn't enabled by default when the smartphone is upgraded from Android 8 (Oreo). As per a new report citing on Google UX, the only operating system users will have on Pixel 3 will be Android 9.0 (Pie). According to Google, gesture navigation will not only be a default feature in the company's next flagship but the only navigation method available in the handset.
In an interview with EK Chung, UX manager for the Android handheld and Pixel at Google, Android Central revealed the company's stance on the design with Android 9.0 (Pie). He also provided some interesting details about Google's plans for the new navigation method.
The Pixel 3 line-up will ship with gesture navigation, and there will be no option for the standard three-button layout that everyone is used to. "While Pixel devices are updated from Oreo, users will still see their three-button navigation by default and will have the option to switch to gestures, future Google phones (and any other manufacturer that wants it) will ship with only gesture navigation," Chung said.
With Android 9 (Pie), Google is taking the first step towards gesture-based navigation that is already on the Apple iPhone X. While the traditional three buttons are available for navigation, you can switch to a single visible bar and use gestures to navigate. Swipe up on the bar once, and it opens up recent apps, swipe up again to open up the app drawer.
Notably, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL launch date has been reportedly set for October 4. The Pixel 3 is likely to have identical hardware and software combination as the Pixel 3 XL, though in a smaller package and with a lower price than the massive Pixel 3 XL. It is speculated that Google will also offer wireless charging support on the upcoming Pixel handsets.
