There’s something very curious about the latest Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL leaks: they have often been confirmed (accidentally) thanks to Google. And now it’s happening again…
Credit once more goes to XDA Developers, which has discovered two major Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL features and both can be verified… yes, thanks to
The Return Of Active Edge
Active Edge is a surprisingly greatly feature on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. It allows you to squeeze the phone to activate Google Assistant and it’s the easiest and fastest way to ask a question/start a search on any smartphone. Unfair criticism initially branded Active Edge as a gimmick and it was widely thought Google would ditch it. Think again.
How did Google verify this?
Because XDA Forums’ member meraz9000 attained a prototype Pixel 3 XL which Google accidentally confirmed is the real deal and that user has been able to confirm Active Edge works on their model. Furthermore, after digging around in Android P beta code, XDA Developers found reference to Active Edge commands for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL codenames (Crosshatch and Blueline). Slam dunk.
Reintroduction Of Wireless Charging
This is a big deal because Google previously championed wireless charging before dropping it in 2015 with the Nexus 6P and not going back. Until now. Meraz9000 again makes the initial observation as his prototype has switched from the aluminium and glass combination back of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to all glass, which is necessary for wireless charging to function.
How did Google verify this?
Once more through Android P beta software as XDA Developers followed the lead of meraz9000 and found evidence in its code for new wireless charging docks, which it believes are specifically designed for the new Pixels. This isn’t a smoking gun, but it seems highly unlikely Google would launch new wireless docks and glass-backed new Pixels and not have a compatible phone to use them with.
One Warning
The obvious point to make here is, whether confirmed by Google or not, these discoveries are being verified at the prototype stage.
Both the Pixel 3 XL and Android P remain in development, so it is possible the code and hardware will be different. That said, Google has inadvertently helped to confirm these features are being worked on and these leaks only ramp up the pressure to deliver them.
Meanwhile, with Google also planning to enlarge both phones and introduce new dual front cameras (more trouble for rivals), the signs look good. In fact, I only have two concerns for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: the XL’s derivative design and potential price rises for both models.
With new iPhones expected to receive significant price cuts, the latter in particular would play right into Apple’s hands…
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