The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL come with a squeezable frame similar to HTC U11 dubbed ActiveEdge. While HTC allows one to customise the squeeze actions, Google has limited the feature to certain actions which include opening Google Assistant and silencing incoming calls.

Thanks to the hard work of developer flar2 though, it is now possible to remap the squeeze functionality on the new Pixels. The workaround involves using the Accessibility Service and reading system logs to automatically detect when a user squeezes their phone, hide Google Assistant from launching and instead replaces it with a user-defined action.

Since the method uses the Accessibility service to replace the hard-coded function of opening Google Assistant, it is not perfect. Google Assistant will show up on your screen for a few milliseconds before the user-defined app opens.

The solution is not elegant but should work until developers manage to find a more sophisticated solution.

If you are a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL owner, make sure to download flar2’s Button Mapper app to be able to enjoy the ability to customise the squeeze functionality on your device. The same app also allows Galaxy S8 and Note 8 owners to customise the Bixby button on their device to open other third-party apps. The basic functionality of the app is free, though advanced features need to be unlocked by an IAP.