Google Charger

It looks like Google will release an accessory called the

Pixel Stand when it announces the Pixel 3 smartphone

range later this year. First, we heard about the wireless

charging stand in code discovered inside a beta version

of Google’s app. The stand may allow a docked Pixel

phone to work in a similar way to Google Assistant-powered

smart screens, such as Lenovo’s recently released Smart

Display.

Now, we’re being treated to a slightly better look at the

new device. A render of the charging stand has leaked

online through MySmartPrice, showing that the charging

stand is essentially made up of one circular puck for the

base, and one oval one for the back of the stand. The

render shows an orange bottom with the Google logo,

and an otherwise mostly white design.

The device’s primary feature maybe as a wireless charging

dock, but with additional Assistant-related functionality.

The code states that when the phone is docked, Google

Assistant will operate as it would do normally, providing

answers to questions, giving suggestions, and following

commands even when locked. It also adds the phone will

give personalized help when docked on the Pixel Stand.

All this is provided the dock is added as a trusted device

on the phone, indicating it may need to be connected by

Bluetooth at some point.

Lenovo’s Smart Display adds a visual element to Google

Home with a choice of two different screen sizes, but costs

either $200 or $250, making it considerably more expensive

than a standard Google Home or Google Home Mini.

Depending on how much Google charges for the Pixel Stand,

it may end up being a handy middle-ground for anyone wanting

to see Assistant’s advice and suggestions after providing voice

commands. While the screen won’t be as large as the Smart

Display — which is either 8 inches or 10.1 inches — it could

be ideal for desktop use, which is where we’d most want a

wireless charger anyway.