Leak: Google 'Pixel Stand' will be a wireless charger-cum-smart speaker
We're a solid two months away from finding out Google's plans for its Pixel 3 flagship. However, if leaks are to be believed, it seems like the Pixel 3 will come with a rather conspicuous notch, and will also support wireless charging via something called a Pixel Stand. What's more? The Pixel Stand will also act as a smart speaker. Here's more.
New lines of code hint at the Pixel Stand
The indication of the Pixel Stand was uncovered by 9to5Google. While examining the latest Google app beta, the folks at 9to5Google found lines of code hinting at future features. One of them clearly states that if you allow your phone to recognize Pixel Stand as a trusted dock, Assistant can be summoned even if your phone is locked, thereby allowing for smart speaker-like functionalities.
How the Pixel Stand will work as a smart device
The general assumption is that the docked phone's lock screen will act like a display device for Assistant, similar to the recently-released Lenovo Smart Display. If it indeed works out that way, then Assistant could, via your docked phone's display, show you important information through Google's At A Glance widget that already shows commute times, upcoming meetings, weather, and time.
Everything about Pixel Stand is still speculation as of now
Given the recent launch of the first-ever Google Assistant display device by Lenovo, the Pixel Stand could help Google add to its fast-growing smart home device line-up. However, everything is just speculation as of now and it's a bit early to take conjecture as fact. Yet, given earlier rumors about an upcoming Google wireless charger, the Pixel Stand might just become a reality soon.
