Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Google isn’t going to open up Motion Sense API to developers any time soon
August 08, 2025
ThePixel 4‘sMotion Sensefeature is a rather interesting capability, as Google uses a radar chip to detect hand gestures. The feature is currently capable of skipping music tracks and silencing interruptions (e.g. calls and alarms), and it’s also used in a few demo apps. But what about third-party developers getting in on the action?
Google has confirmed toAndroid Policethat it isn’t opening the Motion Sense API to third-party developers right now, but that they’d let the outlet know “if plans change.”
Hopefully plans do change in the future, as opening the floodgates for the Motion Sense API could enable a variety of use-cases that Google didn’t think about. Whether it’s using gestures in games or swiping through photos in gallery apps, there are plenty of possibilities.
Fortunately, Motion Sense on thePixel 4iscompatible with popular third-party music appsanyway, such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, and more. This is in addition to its own apps, namelyGoogle Play Music,YouTube Music, andYouTubeitself.
We’d also like to see Google introduce more Motion Sense features down the line, such as adjusting volume, taking a photo, or truescreen-off gestures. What would you like to see from Motion Sense? Give us your thoughts below!
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
