When Google first launched its line of smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL, they were widely praised by reviewers. However, when released, they lack some features that were found on their predecessors. Google has changed all of that with a recent update targeted at Pixel users.

The update introduces the double-tap and raise-to-wake features on to the Pixel and Pixel XL. In using the features, users can see alerts on the phone just by tapping two fingers on the display, or to simply raise the smartphone to wake up the screen to see the notifications.

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The two features were available on previous Google devices, for example, the Nexus6P. Adding these features are a welcome sight for the Pixel phones, especially when Apple has come out with its version of raise-to-wake for its iOS 10. Having the two new features will help bolster the Pixel phones since they are touted as the Android alternative to Apple iPhones.

The downside to this update is that it is only available to Canadian Pixel users. There is no word from Google on when the features will be released to international or U.S. Pixel phone users. 

To use the new features, proceed to the "Moves" section which is located in the general settings panel. "Double-tap to check phone" and "Lift to check phone" should be indicated under the Moves section. For international and U.S. users who cannot wait for the Google to release the update for them, they may use a captured over-the-air zip file directly. It will require more work to experience these new handy features.