In the ongoing debate over the best Android skin, enthusiasts often find themselves divided between Samsung’s One UI and Google’s Pixel UI. Each offers unique features that can sway user preference, yet neither fully encompasses the strengths of the other. Enter a new player in the field: Pixel ToolBox, a third-party app designed to bridge this gap.
Introducing Pixel ToolBox
Developed by Jawomo, known for creating popular applications like the one that brings Apple’s Dynamic Island to Android, Pixel ToolBox is a free app that introduces several features to Pixel phones that are not officially supported. Among these enhancements is a much-requested functionality: the ability to double-tap the home or lock screen to turn off the display—a feature long enjoyed by One UI users.
For those accustomed to the seamless experience of Samsung devices, the absence of this simple gesture on stock Pixel phones can be jarring. Pixel ToolBox aims to remedy this by allowing users to replicate that familiar action, making the transition from Galaxy to Pixel feel more intuitive.
Beyond the double-tap feature, Pixel ToolBox offers additional customization options. Users can manage screen flicker, add haptic feedback to the gesture, and adjust the timing between taps. However, to unlock the full suite of features, users will need to upgrade to the Pro version, available for a one-time fee of .99.
In testing the app on a Google Pixel 9 Pro, the functionality performed as anticipated, enhancing the user experience without requiring special permissions or data collection. Users simply need to enable it as an Accessibility tool within Android Settings, a straightforward process that adds minimal inconvenience.
For those looking to enrich their Pixel experience, Pixel ToolBox presents an enticing opportunity to bring some of the beloved features from One UI into the Pixel ecosystem.
