HTC has a new update for its Edge Sense software, which is an app that exists on Google’s Play Store. This means, you won’t need to update your device, only the app.

We’ve heard a few reports over the last several weeks that HTC would soon announce new Edge Sense features to the U 11 smartphone. We thought the company might reveal the rumored additions during IFA 2017, but the conference is now over. Instead, HTC has gone ahead quietly in the roll out of some new abilities as of September 8 at 00:01.

The Edge Sense application makes it easier for HTC to push updates, and it will become especially handy once there are more devices that support the required hardware needed for this to work. As of right now, only the HTC U 11 has ‘Edge Sense,’ though a future Pixel 2 model to be made by HTC is rumored to bring similar functionality in October. The new update allows users to squeeze their phone from inside third-party applications. In other words, developers can start building Edge Sense support into their own apps. The intensity will work as well so that a lighter squeeze will be able to trigger a different app or action than a longer or harder squeeze of the phone’s sides.

One feature as mentioned by sources demonstrates what will be possible with Edge Sense from within applications. In Instagram, for example, you could be able to squeeze your phone to “Like” a photo. Other functions could be added as well, and HTC will make it possible to toggle on or off any ones that you like with full-blown customization. Expect lots of features to be added over the next few months since developers have been given a lot of freedom to experiment with this. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

The update is live on the Play Store. Grab it if you have a U 11 at the download link below.

[HTC Edge Sense – Download Link]

SOURCE [ZDNet]