Google Pixel 2 Could Feature Rear Touchpad, New Patent Hints

The Google Pixel 2 series devices for 2017 are expected to launch in October. According to a new patent discovered by Patently Mobile on Tuesday, the upcoming device might have a touchpad at the back.

The company was granted the patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week. “It would be advantageous to have an improved touch sensitive surface that offers additional modes of operation,” Google stated in its filing. The patent illustrates the use of a multi-function touchpad which would let the user control the device and data on the display, making day-to-day usage easier. For example, it would let a user launch the gallery app and browse through images without accessing the display on the front. It could also be used to control music volume, and zoom in or out of an image. A noted feature of the device is that the user might be able to scroll through a document without using their fingers, which would provide them with a seamless reading experience.

Read: Google Pixel 2 Might Have Snapdragon 836, LG G6-Like Display

Most importantly, with a rear trackpad, users will also be able to have more gesture-based usage – the patent gives the example of drawing a “C” on the trackpad, which would launch the camera. Similarly, drawing a circle with your finger might turn the Wi-Fi on or off.

The feature listed in the patent is similar to the one already present on the 2016 Google Pixel devices. Users can use the rear fingerprint sensor to unlock their phones, authorize and unlock specific apps.

As we move closer to the Google Pixel 2 launch, more and more expected features of the device are surface. The device may have a 10nm processor, which might be either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 836. It is also expected to have an edge-to-edge display with a 1440 x 2560p display resolution.

According to Wccftech, the Google Pixel 2 might have dual cameras at the back, similar to iPhone 7 Plus, which could lead to an improvement in image quality.

Most importantly, Google’s flagship device this year is expected to have the new version of Android — Android O. The water-resistance standard on the Google Pixel is also expected to be updated from the IP58 to IP68, offering more dust and water-resistance.

Read: Google Pixel 2 With Android O Sighted On Geekbench

Google is expected to maintain the $649 pricing for the Pixel 2 when it is launched in October.

Google is expected to launch three Pixel devices this year. The Pixel 2’s major competitors would be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Apple iPhone 8. While the iPhone 8 is expected to be launched a month prior to the Pixel 2, the S8 has already been launched and comes with an edge-to-edge display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, and an AI-based Bixby voice assistant, among other features.