Latest news with #Pixelsnap
GSM Arena
20 hours ago
- GSM Arena
There's some bad news about Google's Pixel 10 magnetic accessories
Yesterday we heard that Google is preparing a new Pixelsnap brand for magnetic accessories for its upcoming Pixel 10 devices, and we got all excited assuming that meant the phones would have the magnets built-in like iPhones. Today a new rumor contradicts that, saying that Google's basically doing what a lot of other Android device makers have done - supporting Qi2 but with the magnets in cases, not the phones themselves. If you're wondering why every Android OEM seems to be scared to include the magnets in their phones, we don't know - it doesn't seem to make any sense, and yet here we are. Google Pixel 10 Pro leaked renders So, those Pixelsnap branded chargers and stands will only work with your Pixel 10 if you also use a case with magnets - Google will offer its own, or you can go the third-party route. The charger will allegedly look a lot like Apple's own MagSafe charger, while the stand will look like the current Pixel Stand 2, with a slot to slide in the Qi2 charger. Google will unveil the accessories, including the magnet-infused cases, at its Pixel 10 launch event, which is currently rumored to be taking place on August 20. Source
Android Authority
a day ago
- Android Authority
Google Pixel 10 may fail to live up to our MagSafe dreams, after all
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google is preparing a range of 'Pixelsnap' accessories for the Pixel 10 that support wireless charging. Despite Qi2 support, the phone may require the use of a case to add the magnets needed for alignment. In addition to Google's own accessories, look for a range of similar Made by Google solutions from third parties. What is so hard about giving Android users what they want? When it comes to wirelessly charging our phones, we're not asking for that much: just some proper MagSafe-style Qi2 charging with integrated magnets. And with our discovery earlier this week of Google's work towards a new line of 'Pixelsnap' accessories, we were getting cautiously optimistic that the Pixel 10 series might just be the phones to do it, supporting Qi2 magnetic attachment right out of the box. Sadly, that dream may already be over, as a new report emerges to dash our hopes. A frustratingly recurring motif for wireless charging on Android phones has been the absence of magnets required for securely attaching Qi2 chargers with perfect alignment when it comes to phones themselves. Instead, manufacturers like Samsung have required users to pick up a case for their phone with these magnets, and while that works in a pinch, it's far less convenient than having that support baked-in. Following our publication of Google's Pixelsnap plans, Android Headlines shares its own report that attempts to confirm Google's development of a series of Qi2 accessories. But the site also adds one important detail: Google will put magnets in its cases. If true, that strongly implies that the phones themselves would not have magnets of their own. And while that wouldn't be at all surprising, given the sorry state of Android Qi2 support, it's nonetheless disappointing. Beyond that frustrating development, Android Headlines reports some new information on some more of Google's Pixel 10 accessory strategy. In addition to Pixelsnap accessories, we'll be seeing the regular assortment of 'Made for Google' options from third parties, with many also supporting Qi2 and seeing sales through the Google Store. The site claims Google's Pixelsnap Charger will look much like Apple's own MagSafe Charger, and that the Pixelsnap Charger with Stand will resemble the old Pixel Stand 2. So far, though, we've yet to see imagery of either. Finally, Google's reportedly working on a new dual-port USB-C charger with 45W output support. Whether or not any Pixel 10 phones will actually support charging that fast remains to be seen. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
New Pixel 10 Pro Leak Promises Improved Charging
Pixel 9 Pro XL With the upcoming release of the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro families, Google will continue to push Android and the broader mobile ecosystem. A new feature has leaked this week that should ensure Pixel continues to challenge the competition. The team at Android Authority has reported these new features. Crediting marketing materials released to retailers used to prepare for the phone launch, they highlight the addition of new magnetic accessories for the upcoming smartphones. As part of the Qi2 wireless charging standards, devices must utilise magnets to align the charger and receiver. This allows the charging rate to be uprated to 15W, as well as quick and secure attachments. If this sounds a lot like the reimagined MagSafe on the iPhone, you'd be right—Apple successfully submitted this technology to be part of the Qi2 standard. Given that, Apple's MagSafe charger should work with the new Pixel devices, as should the various third-party accessories already targeting the iPhone family. Several Android devices meet all the standards required for Qi2 but do not sport the magnetic connection. While they can still carry the Qi branding, they can't carry the Qi2 branding. Samsung has promoted the Galaxy S25 family as "Qi2 Ready', the addition of a Qi2 charging case and the handsets are ready to join the ecosystem. Thanks to the new listings, it appears that Google will include the Qi2 branding with the Pixel 10 family, one of the biggest Android brands to do so out of the box. Three accessories are on display, all under the title of 'Pixelsnap': a Pixelsnap charger, a Pixelsnap charger with stand, and a Pixelsnap ring stand. Given Qi2 is a standard, other manufacturers' chargers and power-based products should work with the Pixels with no issues, and vice versa. QI2 is also backwards compatible with Qi devices. Google is expected to announce the new Pixel devices on Aug. 20, any new accessories would no doubt be revealed at the same time. Now read more about the Pixel 10 Pro design and the new look coming to consumers in August...
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
Google Pixel 10 might catch up to the iPhone in one area Android fans have been wanting for years
Referential image of the Google Pixel 9 Pro. | Image credit — PhoneArena Google is reportedly preparing to bring magnets to the Pixel lineup for the first time. According to severalreports, the upcoming Pixel 10 will include support for Qi2.2 wireless charging and introduce a new line of magnetic accessories under the name "Pixelsnap." While Pixel phones have supported wireless charging in the past, they have lacked the magnetic hardware seen in Apple's MagSafe system. Pixel 9 owners, for example, need special cases to use MagSafe-style chargers and stands. The Pixel 10 is expected to change that, with magnets built directly into the phone. Google's new Pixelsnap accessory line appears to include at least three products: Pixelsnap Charger Pixelsnap Charger with Stand Pixelsnap Ring Stand These accessories sound similar to common MagSafe tools, like a flat magnetic charger, a stand-based charger, and a ring grip that doubles as a kickstand. If accurate, this would give Pixel 10 users an experience closer to what iPhone users have had for several years. Pixel users may finally be able to enjoy the use of magnetic accessories just like iPhone users have for years with MagSafe. | Image credit — PhoneArena Qi2.2 is the latest version of the Qi wireless charging standard. It can theoretically deliver up to 60W of power, but that doesn't mean the Pixel 10 will charge at those speeds. It's more likely that Google will use a slower, more controlled charging rate, similar to what we see in most flagship phones today. The real benefit here is the improved alignment and stability offered by the magnetic connection. Unlike other Android phones that support Qi2 but skip the magnets, the Pixel 10 is expected to use the full Qi2 feature set. Android Authority found evidence linking the Pixelsnap accessory program directly to the Pixel 10 , which strongly suggests the magnets are built into the phone itself. Evidence found of new Google wireless magnetic chargers . | Image credit — Android Authority Google is expected to hold its Made by Google event in August, with the Pixel 10 going on sale shortly after. This is where expect that more details will be revealed on Pixelsnap and Qi2.2 charging. While Apple's MagSafe has been around for years, and Samsung has quietly experimented with magnetic accessories, there hasn't been an official Android-wide push until now. Google's decision to fully adopt magnets in the Pixel 10 could make its ecosystem more appealing to users looking for convenience and consistency. It's a small feature, but one that I believe could make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
Google Pixel 10 might debut Qi 2 support and magnetic 'Pixelsnap' accessories
Android Headlines Pixel 10 leaked renders TL;DR Google is working on an ecosystem of magnetic Qi 2.2 accessories for the Pixel 10 series under the 'Pixelsnap' name Planned accessories include a magnetic charger, a charger with stand, and a 'Ring Stand' The feature, combined with the Hub Mode, which might be coming to phones, could make the Pixel 10 a small smart display while charging, similar to iPhones with Standby Mode One of the most requested features for smartphones right now is Qi 2 support with magnets. Even though Apple donated its MagSafe technology to the Wireless Power Consortium in early 2023, virtually no Android phones currently support it. It looks like Google's about to finally change that with the Google Pixel 10 series. Android Authority has viewed credible marketing materials intended for retailers that show that Google is working on a few magnetic Qi 2 accessories meant for the upcoming Pixel 10. You're reading an Authority Insights story. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. It seems like Google's planning to call its magnetic ecosystem 'Pixelsnap'. We learnt that there are at least three accessories apparently in the works: Pixelsnap Charger Pixelsnap Charger with Stand Pixelsnap Ring Stand Unfortunately, we don't have any more details at this time, but the names already tell us something. The 'Pixelsnap Charger' is likely just a standard charger, similar to the basic MagSafe charger Apple offers. As for the two others, my guess is that the 'Pixelsnap Ring Stand' is simply an accessory to set your phone upright, and the 'Pixelsnap Charger with Stand' is a combination of the two. Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority The new stand is exciting, considering that Google is currently working to bring Hub Mode to phones. Combined with a Pixelsnap charger (or any Qi2-compatible charger, for that matter), Pixels would basically become little smart displays while charging, similar to iPhones with Apple's Standby Mode. I also decided to dig deeper and found evidence for the new charger in a trade database: Surprisingly, the entries directly mention that it's a Google wireless charger with Qi 2.2 and MPP (Magnetic Power Profile) — they are typically as vague as possible. I also learned that the charger is codenamed 'STN4', and that it will come in two colors — 'Rock Candy' and 'Mist'. These likely aren't the final names — Google likes its codenames so much it even uses them for colors! 'Rock Candy' usually translates to a black color, and 'Mist' was the codename of the 'Porcelain' Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so that gives us a hint that it will likely be off-white. Additionally, I was able to confirm that the Pixelsnap project is associated with the Pixel 10 within Google. I also got confirmation that the upcoming phones will support Qi 2.2, with a 'ConvenientPower CPS4041' controller chip. In theory, that could mean support for up to 60W charging (as the chip supports it); however, it's up to Google to limit power as it wants. Robert Triggs / Android Authority If this turns out to be true, Pixelsnap will be one of Pixel 10's headline features. I'm happy to see that — the Pixel Stand was a great concept, and I'm glad Google's finally making a spiritual successor. It might also just make Pixel 10 a more universally beloved phone. Whatever the case, the Pixel 10 series is launching sometime in August.
