The Pixel 2 is an almost five-year-old phone, but it introduced a feature that I miss more and more with each passing year. It was called Active Edge, and it let you summon Google Assistant just by giving your phone a squeeze. In some ways, it\u2019s an unusual idea. But it effectively gave you something sorely lacking on modern phones: a way to physically interact with the phone to just get something done<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Looking at the sides of the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, you won\u2019t see anything to indicate that you\u2019re holding anything special. Sure, there\u2019s a power button and volume rocker, but otherwise, the sides are sparse. Give the phone\u2019s bare edges a good squeeze, though, and a subtle vibration and animation will play, as Google Assistant pops up from the bottom of the screen, ready to start listening to you. You don\u2019t have to wake the phone up, long-press on any physical or virtual buttons, or tap the screen. You squeeze and start talking.<\/p>\n