Google’s Pixel 4a will reportedly ditch squeeze-based Google Assistant activation

May 19, 2020

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It's been a feature of Google smartphones since the days of the Pixel 2 and 2 XL but it seems that the upcoming Pixel 4a will launch without the ability to squeeze its sides to activate Google Assistant. It's a feature that used to annoy the heck out of me until I disabled it, but for some, it's likely the demise of a function that they are fond of.

Can confirm that Active Edge is not available on @julio_lusson's Pixel 4a.

Not a huge loss especially since Google is adding a new double tap gesture that doesn't require special hardware: https://t.co/kFiL8qmzxA https://t.co/IA6qqLJnG9
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 18, 2020

The news comes courtesy of Julio Lusson who managed to get some hands-on time with a pre-production Pixel 4a and discovered the omission of the Active Edge function, this was also confirmed by 9to5Google's Stephen Hall on his personal Twitter account.

With the Pixel 4a likely to be able to trigger the Google Assistant by pressing the power button, is the omission of Active Edge really a huge loss?

With that in mind, is it a feature you might consider to be a deal-breaker if you were looking to buy the Pixel 4a when launches next month?

Source: Mishal Rahman (Twitter)

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Peter Holden Author

With over a decade's experience covering the world of Android and having reviewed more devices than he can count, Peter is excited about where the world of tech is heading. He is currently packing the Oppo Find X9 Pro.