Google Plans to Introduce Its Own ‘3D Touch’ Functionality in Android N

Apple’s highly acclaimed 3D Touch — which was introduced as a hallmark feature of the iPhone 6s handset — is an extremely intuitive, ground-breaking technology in its own right. So intuitive, in fact, that several OEM manufacturers have already begun churning out their own versions of the interactive, pressure-sensitive hardware/software solution.

However, to Apple’s benefit, most of these alternative solutions — which, at least thus far, have emerged from the likes of dirt-cheap Android-powered smartphones —  that simply pale in comparison when reckoned with what the Silicon Valley tech-giant’s original 3D Touch feature brings to the table.

However, according to Mashable, it appears that the game might be changing soon — thanks to none other than Apple’s arch rival, Google’s Android OS. That’s right, folks, as told straight from the horse’s mouth, Google is said to be gearing up to unveil its own, pressure-sensing, 3D Touch-like solution alongside Android N, which is set to be unveiled this fall.

Google apparently envisions a feature that it’s referring to as ‘Launcher Shortcuts’, which, much akin to Apple’s 3D Touch, will allow Android’s apps to render up to five distinct shortcut options when the app icon is pressed just so. Additionally, like 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s, these icon long- presses will present options allowing users to jump directly to certain parts of an app — for instance, to compose a new status update on Facebook or Twitter.

If that seems eerily familiar to Apple’s 3D Touch, well, that’s pretty much because it is like Apple’s 3D Touch. There’s really no mincing words here, though it will certainly be interesting to see what Google ultimately names its ‘3D Touch’ feature.

In the interim, however, you can see the new functionality, in action, for yourself — as demonstrated in the video below, which is provided courtesy of Phandroid.

Android devices are already capable of recognizing long-presses on the screen, and therefore, Google’s take on 3D Touch is currently available to experiment with on certain launchers — such as Cydia, for instance. However, it’s highly likely that Google will continue to expand upon the functionality prior to its commercial release alongside Android N this fall.

Learn More: Top 5 Features We Want in iOS 10

What do you think about Google bringing its own, native 3D Touch solution to the table? Will it be able to compete with Apple’s variant, or will the original 3D Touch still trump whatever Google comes up with — considering how Apple is almost certain to expand upon its own framework in iOS 10? Let us know what you think in the comments below.