Microsoft Could Bring Double Tap To Wake To Lumia 950

Double tap is a feature that allows you to turn the screen on without pressing the power button. This feature comes pre-loaded in particular Android phone models and was also offered by previous Windows phones. However, the current Windows 10 phone models no longer incorporate this feature, but Microsoft could soon bring it back to its phones.

The double tap feature has been requested by many Windows phone users and it seems that Microsoft is already testing it on internal firmware for Lumia 950. Also, Gabe Aul of Microsoft encouraged users to send their feedback and ask that double tap be once again incorporated Windows phones. Although Aul’s answer is not a guarantee that this feature will be brought back, it conveys another important message: Microsoft really pays attention to its Windows phone users’ needs.

Before Microsoft brings back this feature, its engineering team will have to first solve existing battery issues. Double tap to wake up uses too much battery and this was the main reason why Microsoft removed this feature in the first place. However, even if this feature impacts battery life, Microsoft should simply leave this choice to its users. A warning letting users know that double tap to wake has a negative impact on battery life should be enough.

Moreover, the double tap feature has functional advantages. Sometimes, the power button stops working and you have to press harder to get it to work. This issue could be prevented or worked around by using double tap instead.

Indeed, the fact that Windows phones no longer offer the double tap feature while other manufacturers do is a bit strange. After all, Lumia was the first smartphone series to support this feature. Manufacturers usually add new features — they don’t remove old ones.

If you want Microsoft to bring back the double tap to wake feature, have your say on its Feedback Hub.