Google has confirmed previous reports, affirming its new Pixel 3 and 3XL smartphones will only feature gesture-based navigation controls.

Whilst the current Pixel 2/2XL offers the option between traditional software buttons and gesture navigation, Google claims the upgrade represents a shift in “all Android phones going forward”.

Hi! Pixel 3 introduces a new pattern that will represent navigation on all Android phones going forward. While change & adapting to new patterns is hard, we believe it’s a better navigation pattern & makes app switching a faster experience.

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) 9 October 2018

As per Android Central, new Pixel phones were rumoured to focus on gesture navigation, bar the centre ‘pill’ and a back button, which only appears when necessary.

The new gesture system reportedly received rave consumer feedback in initial testing, especially when jumping between apps by sliding the centre ‘pill’ to the right.

Speculation has been confirmed in a Made by Google tweet, forcing Pixel 3 users to adapt to gesture navigation.

Commentators question whether the transition will affect OEM vendors, forgoing the option of traditional buttons.

[Image: gsmarena]