Google Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X Firmware Update: To Still Get Pixel Fingerprint Gesture Feature? If Not, Here's An Alternative

Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X have not received an update that would give the devices the new fingerprint gesture features that can be found in new Pixel phones, much to the disappointment of users. The good news though is that the tech giant hears the consumers' feedback and a recent statement renews hope that the Nexus 6P and 5X would get the fingerprint sensor.

A Google spokesperson said that the company is looking into the matter and is evaluating the possibility of releasing a firmware update that would bring the fingerprint gesture to Google Nexus 6P and 5X, as reported by Android Authority. It was previously stated that the new fingerprint feature could not be installed on Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X because of a missing hardware.

On one hand, the said statement from Google is not a hundred percent confirmation yet that Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X would receive the fingerprint feature after all. For now, users can only keep waiting for any information regarding Google's plan to release such update with a given timeline.

Google earlier said that Nexus 5X and 6P would not get a firmware update until September 2017, and hopefully that update would include the fingerprint gesture recognition feature. Besides, it has been confirmed by Fingerprint Cards that the two Nexus devices have the same sensors as the of the new Pixel X and Pixel XL phones, as reported by Slash Gear.

In the meantime, Nexus 5X and 6P users can still obtain the fingerprint gesture recognition feature through a third-party app. The app, developed by ztc1997, is called Fingerprint Quick Gestures, and can be used even if the device is not rooted. It will work on any phone with a fingerprint reader running Android 6.0 or above, per Android Authority report. The fingerprint functionality allow users to bring down the notification shade, return to the home screen or put the mobile phone to sleep.