The Google Assistant button becomes useful

[markdoc]

This is worth reading but hold off for a week or so. This app is only available on the XDA site. The app is called Button Mapper. The new version will be on Google Play in a week or so. For me, the Google Assistant button has been a worthless use of space. There was absolutely no need for it. Well I just finished helping a developer (for free, I don't get a kickback) test his app that remaps the Google Assistant button and it works! Besides remapping other hardware buttons (which I don't use) you can make the Google Assistant button do 3 different things by pressing, double pressing and/or long pressing the button. It can open apps, open shortcuts, various system controls, media controls, it's amazing. You do have to pay for the Pro version and it does take some effort to get it to work. (You need a separate computer to download another app, may have to disable a setting until its configured & cable connect your phone to your computer.) But I went through all the different things necessary and it was worth every minute. The author was great and for our group, I'd be happy to help. I have mine set to open an app, take a screenshot & start the flashlight. But I will be trying different things as time passes. BTW: I did get the app for free, nothing more. You can ask me anything (about the app) and I'll answer it to the best of my ability.

 

[PitCarver]

I've basically felt the same way. Turn on the flashlight, though, sounds good.

 

[markdoc]

Here is a very small sample of some of the things it can do:

 

[PitCarver]

I see that it would only activate the flashlight when the screen is on.

I'm certain that it's an Android limitation but I'd like to active it when the screen is off.

 

[markdoc]

I see that it would only activate the flashlight when the screen is on.

I'm certain that it's an Android limitation but I'd like to active it when the screen is off.

I am happy to tell you that it turns the flashlight on when the screen is off & the phone is locked.

 

[markdoc]

I see that it would only activate the flashlight when the screen is on.

I'm certain that it's an Android limitation but I'd like to active it when the screen is off.

There is a setting where you can stop it working when the screen is locked:

 

[Medstar1]

Sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[markdoc]

If anyone wants to download it from XDA, here is the link:
https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/flar2.homebutton
Since this isn't the Google version, the instructions aren't great. And you can use this free version on the hardware buttons as is. But to remaining the Google button, you have to pay. This is the same version that I am using now.
You have to have an account to download it. (They are free)
Here is a screenshot of the free app. The assistant button doesn't work: