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Pixel Sounds preps custom vibration patterns for ringtones, notifications

The last big update to the Pixel Sounds app/service introduced a “Gems” ringtone and alarm collection with the Pixel 8 in 2023. Google is now working on letting you set different Pixel vibration patterns. 

Version 3.2 of the Pixel’s Sounds app (via Android Authority) starts by renaming two pages in Settings app > Sound & vibration. They’ve also been moved up the list so they’re just below the sliders.

  • Phone ringtone -> Ringtone alert
  • Default notification sound -> Notification alert

Compared to today (version 3.1), Ringtone alert is split into two tabs. Sound is the existing experience, while Vibrations offers 12 vibration patterns:

  • Synchronized (“Default”)
  • Classic Long Vibration 
  • Bumps 
  • Buzz
  • Rhythm
  • Swirl
  • Drumbeat
  • Swoop
  • Snare
  • Gentle wave
  • Heartbeat
  • Gears

Current vs. upcoming

Meanwhile, in Notification alert, you have 11 vibrations:

  • Classic Short Vibration
  • Taps
  • Blip
  • Rumble
  • Waves
  • Soft rise
  • Tremor
  • Fireworks
  • Rattlesnake
  • Whir
  • Rapid fire

AA says each vibration pattern varies by intensity and duration to let you customize how your Pixel feels as it buzzes. It’s unclear whether the existing sliders in Vibration & haptics will let you further tune the intensity.

The interface is explicit about what you’re saving, while the pairing is noted inline back in Sound & vibration. 

Version 3.2 of the Pixel Sounds app has not yet rolled out via the Play Store. This unreleased version is not available to sideload either. A launch with the next Pixel Feature Drop in March would make sense, or this could be tied to Android 16. It’s also unclear whether this will only be available on newer devices.

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com

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