Google cloned Apple’s 3D Touch for the Pixel using just software

[Andrew]

So let’s look at what’s new in this month’s update, courtesy of this rundown from Chris Welch. There are some basic quality-of-life (to borrow a term from video games) tweaks: dark mode can be scheduled, adaptive brightness has been improved, and you can set up little actions based on which Wi-Fi networks you’re connected to. There’s a new gesture for the Pixel 4’s Motion Sense chip, new emoji, and new AR effects for Duo video chats. All fine.

...

“In addition to long press, you can now firmly press to get more help from your apps more quickly.”

 

“Firmly press” sets off alarm bells because it sounds a lot like the iPhone’s 3D Touch, which enables different actions depending on how hard you press on the touchscreen.

 

Source

 

This is actually kind of neat. I do wonder how they work out what a firm press it without any hardware changes. I'm guessing the harder you press, the more of your finger/thumb gets picked up by the touch sensor?

[ENTERPRISE]

I must be living under a rock being I did not even realize we have moved into the realms of pressure sensitive touch screens.

[Andrew]

I must be living under a rock being I did not even realize we have moved into the realms of pressure sensitive touch screens.

 

Yes, AFAIK Apple were the first to implement it on the iPhone 6S in 2015.

[ENTERPRISE]

I must be living under a rock being I did not even realize we have moved into the realms of pressure sensitive touch screens.

 

Yes, AFAIK Apple were the first to implement it on the iPhone 6S in 2015.

 

Wow....I have been under a rock. My only defence is I tend to avoid apple lol