Google Pixel Stand Wireless Charger For Pixel 3 Leaked In New Render

Google is expected to officially announce the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Oct. 9, but rumors also suggest that the company will launch a wireless charging stand. The new accessory will allegedly be called the Pixel Stand and a press render for it has already leaked online.

The press render for the Google Pixel Stand was shared by MySmartPrice. The render only shows the backside and bottom portion of the device, but it still confirms some details about its design and how exactly it will work. The bottom base comes with what appears to be a rubberized or textured pad that features an orange color. the color seems to match the coral color option of the Google Home Mini

The base of the device shows that it will effectively hide the cable underneath. The input appears to be a USB Type-C port. On top of the base is the wireless charging pad, which is sitting upright. This indicates that the Pixel Stand is designed to wirelessly charge the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in portrait orientation.

The Pixel Stand’s FCC ID can also be seen on the bottom. 9To5Google checked the ID on the FCC’s testing database and found that it is indeed a wireless charger. The database also revealed that the Pixel Stand will have fast wireless charging support.

The listing indicates that the Pixel Stand is able to output 18W (9V2A) or 15W (5V/3A). Phone Arena pointed out that these are the same specifications of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL’s fast wired chargers. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are going to be the first Google-made smartphones to have support for fast wireless and wired charging.

But why is Google making a wireless charging stand instead of a simple wireless charging pad? It’s currently being rumored that the Pixel Stand will have support for Google Assistant capabilities. The Pixel Stand will allegedly allow users to use Google Assistant voice commands while their Pixel 3 phone is wirelessly charging. Since the Pixel 3 is standing upright, Assistant will also be able to show content on the screen.

When users place a Pixel 3 smartphone on the Pixel Stand, the phone will allegedly display a custom user interface right on its screen. The new UI is said to feature large buttons that work as shortcuts for playing music, making phone calls and other functions. Notifications will also reportedly have a different UI when the Pixel 3 is wirelessly charging on the Pixel Stand.

The Pixel Stand is expected to make its first official appearance on Oct. 9 in New York City during Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL press event.