Oops, Google did it again…
The tech company has a reputation for leaking its Pixel phone upgrades every-so-often and now it has done it once again – although Google claims that the leak was completely ‘accidental’. Here’s what we know about the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL models so far.
An accidental leak by Google shows the Pixel 3 smart phones will be the first in line to have a wireless charging feature
Pixel Stand
Hints of a massive Pixel 3 upgrade were picked up by tech savvy 9to5Google, after Google left a snippet of code in updated version of its app confirming that the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones will add an innovative feature that none of the previous models have carried before: wireless charging.
The upgrade was revealed in Google’s new app update which had a few strings of code referencing to a ‘Pixel Stand’ which turns the phone instantly into a smart speaker, allowing the user to interact with Google’s virtual assistant through speech commands.
In addition, the aforementioned stand turns Pixel screens into glancable, contextual screens that changes according to the user’s command or request. The code snippets reveal that Pixel phone owners will have to grand explicit permission to be able to use this functionality.
Wireless Charging
But, enough about that; you’re probably eager to get to the wireless charging part so here’s what we know so far: Google dropped hints about the new feature in an old version of its app which was updated in June. Eagle-eyed software experts from 9to5Google unscrambled the app’s code to discover a secret codename ‘dreamliner’ used in one of the lines which referenced to a new wireless charging dock in the works.
Since neither the first of the second model of Pixel phone has a wireless charging feature, 9to5Google put two and two together and concluded that the new update will likely appear in the new Pixel 3 models.
The most recent leak about a possible ‘pixel stand’ coming out in the near future only confirms that Google is taking a leaf out of Apple and Samsung’s playbook by introducing the wireless charging feature in its smartphone line.
Leaked Pixel 3 Prototype
This isn’t the first time Google has ‘accidentally’ leaked a major update to its phones or software. Earlier this year, the tech giant revealed the prototype of its newest Pixel 3XL (which hasn’t hit the market yet).
The leak showed that like its rival, Apple, the Pixel-maker was also planning a transition towards glass back instead of metal in all its new phones which will either come in gloss or matt glass. The glass back feature was first introduced in iPhone 8 models and iPhone X last year specifically for the purpose of wireless charging since it provides better conductivity.
Apple, LG and Samsung have all had their moment in the spotlight this year and now its Google’s turn to grab everyone’s attention with its new Pixel 3 handsets that are set to be unveiled in October, 2018 – and from all the leaks that we have uncovered so far, the newly upgraded models could become the best smartphones of the year.
Google’s new handsets will most likely be revealed early October, 2018
Although Pixel’s design and display has come under scrutiny over the past, Google is planning to replace some of the bulkiness of Pixel 2 phones with slim bezels and smaller forehead and chin to give users the full android experience.
The new phones will be packed with impressive specs including a 4GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB storage and Snapdragon 845 processor. Just like Pixel 1 and 2, most people will probably be attracted to buy the third generation Pixel phones just for their amazing camera quality. So far, the leaks suggest that Google will opt for a single-lens camera instead of the previously-used dual- lens system.
The leaked prototype also shows, what looks like two camera lenses in the front of Pixel 3 models which indicate that Google is also adopting iPhone-style sensor technology for facial recognition.
Pixel phones’ affordability and design have raised a lot of questions in the past, but with the addition of these massive new upgrades, will Google be able to justify its high price point? With features like professional-quality camera, super-fast software and amazing battery life, many Pixel fans have high hopes.
