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 Google.
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.
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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