QUOTE(DannyOP @ Apr 21 2014, 01:58 AM)
Since it can be turned on or off, similar to Xiaomi mi3, it allows for bigger usable screen. I don't see what's the advantage for having on screen buttons when so much screen is lost.
Google had tackle it with immersive mode. It will hide when apps require full screen usage.
IMO advantages is orientation and usability. It could swap vertical/horizontal orientation, swap placement, hide when necessary. Those are only basic Google implementation. Other manufacturers or developers able to make it customizable with different icon/color/style, extra icon, swap icon position etc.
I wouldnt mind capacitive button if it had some degree of customization/orientation. For example, one thing I hate the most on Samsung is the right button was for 'back', it's really bad place to assign 'back' function key which you use the most, had to cramp your thumb to reach it. Samsung still stick to it even if Google uses 'back' on left, I guess for the sake of differentiate Samsung with other manufacturers, and it's stupid ( IMO ).
Using on screen button isnt the final form. There's gesture control, there's PIE. I've been using PIE for sometimes and love it. While it arguably will not be as fast as visible button, PIE is just super cool and without using screen estate. Once you get used to it, it's so fast that my friend ask me how I navigate me phone coz he didnt saw PIE.