Google announced the Android Nougat 7.1.2 beta just a few days ago, announcing support for Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and the LG Nexus 5X. The company also stated that Huawei Nexus 6P would be supported at a later date.
Nexus 5X handsets around the globe have started receiving the over-the-air beta update, and it appears that it carries some welcome news for users of the device.
Among other minor fixes and improvements, the Android 7.1.2 beta build has finally brought support for fingerprint gestures on the LG Nexus 5X. Google drew quite a lot of flak from users of the handset a few months ago, when it revealed gesture support as exclusive to its Pixel handsets. The company then stated that it would be "evaluating" the inclusion of the feature, and it now appears that Google has finally decided in the addition of the nifty feature.
Fingerprint gestures allow users to simply swipe down on the sensor on the back of their handset, which slides down the notification panel in a minimized view. Another swipe in the same direction brings down the complete notification panel. Similarly, users can simply swipe up on the fingerprint scanner to minimize the notification panel again.
Although these gestures might be useless for some owners of the LG Nexus 5X, they can be convenient for others. Indeed, the feature appears to be quite snappy and responsive, with no apparent delay. You can enable fingerprint gestures by navigating to Settings > Moves > Swipe for notifications.
It is important to note that custom gestures cannot be used, for the time being. The feature is also expected to make its way to the Huawei Nexus 6P once it receives the OTA update.