Android 7.1.2 adds pull-down notification fingerprint gesture to Nexus 5X

The Android 7.1.2 Nougat beta update is now rolling out over-the-air for the Google Pixel and Nexus 5X as part of Google’s Developer Preview program. The update is said to be relatively lightweight, with general optimizations like improved stability and security patches. However, the inclusion of a fingerprint gesture on the Nexus 5X might have some fans excited about it.

On the Google Pixel and Pixel XL released last year, you can swipe downward on the fingerprint sensor to reveal the notification shade. It’s a gesture that’s particularly useful for bigger devices (or people with small hands) where it’s hard to reach the top of the display when operating the device one-handed.

Despite availability on the Pixels, the functionality didn’t appear on the Nexus 5X and 6P when they were first upgraded to Android Nougat. With Android 7.1.2, you can now find the feature on the Nexus 5X in Settings > Moves, and it’s likely to appear on the Nexus 6P too when that starts to receive the Android 7.1.2 Developer Preview.

While it’s nice to see Google add this Pixel feature to the Nexus phones, I’m sure most users would prefer to get Google Assistant instead.