[ad_1]
Following a trend in the industry, Google's latest smartphones – Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL – support Qi wireless charging. This means that you can place them on any wireless charger supported by Qi and the phone will charge; there is no need to have fun with cables. Google has created an optional charging support to complement the new phones, but instead of offering another basic accessory in a crowded market, Pixel support puts the artificial intelligence of Pixel 3 in the foreground and offers many Really useful features that make it one of the smartest wireless chargers we've ever seen.
The basics
The Pixel Stand is a 10-watt wireless charging stand made of silicone and polycarbonate. Only one color is available – white – and although the Pixel 3 is integrated in all colors, we want the support to be available in different colors. It can also attract a lot of fluff or dust over time. The device has a sticky bottom, so it does not move on the surfaces on which you put it.
It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which plugs into the 18-watt USB-PD wall adapter included in the pixel holder. According to Google, the Pixel Stand support allows for quick wireless charging of the 3 and 3 XL pixels, but it is important to note that it will not be as fast as charging with the wired USB-C cable supplied with the phones.
The wireless charging stand itself looks simple and understated, which means it must fit into the home without leaving any marks. You can place any Qi compatible phone, including new iPhones, in landscape or portrait orientation, and the pixel stand will be able to charge it with its two charging coils (stacked).
Smart features
Pixel support can look like another wireless charger, but many special features come to life as soon as you place a Pixel 3 or a Pixel 3 XL.
Instead of just pulling out a basic wireless charging cradle in a crowded market, Google's Pixel Stand does much more.
Inside the holder is a microprocessor that triggers a secure "handshake" when you place the Pixel 3 (no Bluetooth, NFC or Wi-Fi connection is required). The pixel asks the stand for its unique identification number, then the phone calculates it so that it has the corresponding number, a process called hashing. This number is then stored in both the phone and the media. This ensures that your phone recognizes this specific pixel support, in case you have more than one, because you can customize each pixel support for different purposes.
You can access the pixel support settings in the connected device settings of your phone. One of the options is the ability to completely disable the screen of your phone, including from the permanent display of Pixel 3, to avoid visual disturbance. This is useful if the Pixel stand is next to your bed.
What is also useful is that you can configure a pixel support to activate the Do Not Disturb mode of your phone. This does not necessarily turn off the screen, but it means that the screen does not turn on and does not alert you when the phone is docked. This is another way to reduce alerts if you try to go to bed, but you can turn it on or off. Therefore, if you have other Pixel support, for example near your desk, you will probably want to make sure that it does not trigger Do Not Disturb mode.
You can also turn your Pixel 3 into a digital photo frame when it is on its support. You can set "photo frames" with the help of Google Photos. Your phone will display photos from the albums you have selected. This is a good way to use what is often a blank screen when you wirelessly charge.
A microprocessor in the pixel holder triggers a secure handshake when you place the pixel 3.
But maybe the function we are most excited to try is Sunrise Alarm. Fifteen minutes before your alarm sounds, the Pixel 3 will start to show ambient light to help you wake up. It remains to be seen how useful this feature is, but we will check it when it becomes available.
In addition to these essential features of Pixel Support, placing a Pixel 3 on the wireless charger also introduces a more useful user interface on the permanent display. You get one-click access to Google Assistant (or you can always say "Hey Google") and, depending on the time of day, you'll get suggestions to exploit – optimized by Wizard. For example, if it is early in the morning, you will be able to trigger the "My day" function of the wizard. This will automatically show your calendar, reminders, weather and traffic alerts, and you can start reading news or podcasts of the day (you can change your source preferences in the wizard settings).
If you're listening to music on the Pixel 3, you'll have great music controls on the permanent display when the phone is docked to the pixel holder, which makes reading and playback control easier. It will also display larger album illustrations, which is a beautiful aesthetic.
Finally, there is also a smart home connection, although it seems to be quite limited at the moment. If you have a Nest Hello video doorbell, you can quickly see who is at the front door by simply pressing a button when the Pixel 3 is sitting on its stand. There is no mention of other smart home integration solutions, but we believe that support for other products could be added over time.
Price and availability
The Pixel stand costs $ 79 and is available for pre-order now on the Google Store (shipped early November). Although you can certainly find cheaper wireless chargers, this price matches wireless chargers from brands such as Mophie and Belkin. But where wireless chargers simply fill your phone, the Pixel Cradle uses the power of Google Assistant to make your phone useful when it is out of your reach.
While the Pixel Stand will charge any Qi compatible phone, its features only work with Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Do not buy it if you own a Samsung or Apple phone – there are much cheaper alternatives – unless you plan to upgrade to version 3
Source link
