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Google Pixel 2 likely to include one of HTC's gimmicky features

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By Cosmin Vasile

Updated: Sep 18, 2017, 11:01 PM

By now all Nexus/Pixel fans know that one of Google's next flagship, namely the Pixel 2, will be manufactured by HTC. The reason might not be necessarily related to the numerous partnerships between the two companies, nor the recent rumor suggesting an inevitable acquisition of the Taiwanese smartphone business by the search giant.

HTC's latest flagship, the U11 benefits from one controversial feature that might or might not disappear in a year or so. It's called Squeeze and allows you to use the edges of the smartphone to execute various operations like zooming when Google Map and Photos apps are opened.

Some may see the squeeze gesture as a gimmicky feature, but Google seems to have been very pleased that HTC's innovation works brilliantly well with most of its apps.

Moreover, the squeeze gesture made Google so happy that it's willing to pay HTC to include it on the forthcoming Pixel 2 smartphone. This little detail was earlier revealed by a Google app teardown, which contains a few strings that point to the squeeze feature.

The latest beta version of Google app has been recently decompiled, thus making some lines of code visible to the non-tech savvy. Some of these lines suggest that Pixel 2 will use squeeze gestures that are now available on the HTC U11.

To change settings for the squeeze gesture, go to your phone’s Active Edge settings.

Well, that's one more feature to be excited for, right? Google is expected to reveal both the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 on October 4, but you can peruse everything we know about them in our comprehensive rumor review article.

source: 9to5Google

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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.