Google is trialling facial gesture controls in Android 12; feature could be available to older smartphones too

According to XDA Developers, Google is currently testing new features within the Android Accessibility Suite app. Google has included the features in a beta version of the app, currently available in Android 12 Beta 4. The feature in question is 'Camera Switches', screenshots of which we have included below.

So far, Camera Switches recognises six gestures, which can be used for a range of actions configurable within the app. for example, Camera Switches can skip music or return you to your home screen. The list of actions are as follows:

• Back
• Home
• Next
• Notifications
• Overview
• Pause Camera Switch
• Previous
• Quick Settings
• Reverse auto-scan
• Scroll backwards
• Scroll forwards
• Select
• Toggle auto-scan (disabled)
• Touch & hold

Google stresses that Camera Switches does not send images to its servers. Incidentally, the feature displays a notification and a persistent overlay whenever it is active, so it will not run without you knowing about it. 

Apparently, the feature is not tied to Android 12, so it could eventually make its way to older versions. Fundamentally, Google has designed Camera Switches for those with disabilities, especially those with restricted motor controls and mobility. However, these features could be useful for everyone too, in our opinion.

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