Nov 05, 2024 | Updated: 11:35 AM EDT
Apr 25, 2017 06:09 AM EDT
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus users might be able to remap the dedicated Bixby button on their smartphones. The tech giant had recently released a firmware update that prevented users from changing the function of buttons to anything except for launching Bixby assistant. Developers soon tried to come up with options that allowed users to customize the button. But Samsung was quick to shut down such plans. But thankfully, there has come a way out of this situation.
As per The Verge,developer Dave Bennett deserves the credit for coming up with an app known as the BixRemap. The app allow the users to launch Google Now over Bixby when the button is pressed. He added that Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus users might see Bixby for a few seconds before Google Now taking over. Interestingly, the solution doesn't require any sort of special commands or rooting.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus users need to visit Play Store to download the app. Simply turn on Usage Data Access and click "Start Service" option, Digit reported. Bennett mentioned that he had developed this app in just 20 minutes. He further claimed that he would go deeper into the app if it generates interest. However, there is a downside to the BixRemap app. It is a bit sloppy whereby the remap button launched Bixby first, followed by Google Now.
Additionally, Bixby on Samsung Galaxy S8 needs access to usage tracking permission for functioning. Now, it is quite a large amount of data that users would be giving to the app. BixRemap also puts certain amount of notifications on the notification tray while active.However, the app still works fine even after disabling the notification manually. Still, for the smartphone users who would want to make use of this extra hardware button and frustrated with Samsung's firmware update, the new app might serve as a relief.
