New Google Pixel 6 mobile phone can open Snapchat in just 2 taps

Snap Inc. is teaming up with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to let owners of the new Google Pixel 6 mobile phone use its ephemeral photo-sharing app Snapchat with just two taps, its latest attempt to strengthen ties with hardware devices. Google today, launched Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro mobile phones. While Google Pixel 6 price starts at $599, Google Pixel 6 Pro price starts at $899.

Dubbed “Quick Tap to Snap,” the new feature will enable users to tap the back of the device twice to open the Snapchat camera directly from the lock screen. Users will have to authenticate before sending photos or videos to a friend or their personal Stories page. 

Snap Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel said during a Google presentation Tuesday that he hopes the new feature will allow users to capture the most fleeting of moments.

“For Snapchatters, speed matters,” he said. “Billions of Snaps are created every day, and our community wants to be ready to Snap everyday moments, as they happen.” 

Snapchat’s Pixel service will also include extra augmented-reality lenses and integrate some Google features, like live translation in the chat feature, according to the company.

Snap, whose social network is popular among people under 25, has been making deals with other companies to expand use of its augmented reality. In recent months, Snap announced a partnership with the dating app Bumble to let users send their matches video notes with Snapchat AR products. Snap has also teamed up with Walt Disney Co. to allow tourists at Walt Disney World to incorporate Snap AR experiences into their visit and photos. 

Google Store Crashes for Users Seeking to Buy New Pixel Phone

Users seeking to buy Google’s new Pixel 6 smartphones Tuesday immediately had difficulties: The company’s website crashed, was sluggish or provided error messages to many users, preventing purchases.

The Alphabet Inc. unit launched two new phones -- the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro -- with major design changes, a custom processor and camera upgrades. It’s unclear if the website issues are due to stronger-than-anticipated demand or a bug. A Google spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.