Google

Google’s Pixel 9 phones lack Qi2 support, but a mod enables landscape charging

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google’s Pixel 9 series does not support the Qi2 wireless charging standard.
A mod allows Pixel phones to charge in landscape mode with the Pixel Stand.
The Pixel Stand’s original design limits charging orientation, but a 3D-printed kickstand offers a solution.

Google’s new Pixel 9 series has stirred some disappointment among tech enthusiasts, as it does not support the latest Qi2 wireless charging standard. Many expected this feature, but the Pixel 9 phones lack the necessary magnetic ring for Qi2 compatibility. This is likely because the Pixel 9 series was already in development when the Qi2 standard was finalized. However, there is hope that next year’s Pixel 10 series will include Qi2 support.

Despite the absence of Qi2, all four Pixel 9 models still offer wireless charging, although at varying speeds depending on the device. To achieve the fastest charging speeds, users need to use the Pixel Stand, which supports Qi wireless charging up to 12W.

Interestingly, third-party case manufacturers might address this limitation by incorporating charging magnets in their cases, just as they did for the previous Pixel 8 series. This could allow for more convenient wireless charging, even without native Qi2 support.

Currently, Qi2 is still in its early stages, with limited device support. While some devices, like the HMD Skyline, have adopted the standard, it has yet to become widespread. Additionally, Pixel 9 phones don’t come with a charger in the box, although Google recommends using their 45W charger for optimal performance.

The Pixel 9 series includes three standard models and one foldable version, offering users a range of options. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a significant upgrade from the previous Pixel Fold, featuring a new design and improved functionality, including a modified aspect ratio.

Regarding wireless charging, the Pixel Stand, while functional, has its quirks. It generally works best when the phone is placed in a specific orientation. However, a clever mod allows users to charge their Pixel phones in landscape mode. This mod involves a simple 3D-printed kickstand that raises the phone to align the charging coils, enabling effective charging in landscape orientation—a feature that was easily accessible with the first-generation Pixel Stand.

This kickstand doesn’t interfere with airflow from the Pixel Stand’s cooling fans, ensuring the phone stays cool while charging. Though the original creator of this mod hasn’t shared the design files, this solution demonstrates a creative approach to overcoming the Pixel Stand’s orientation limitations.

Source/Via

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

9 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.

Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:

Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.

Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:

Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.

Other Chrome Updates:

Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.

These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.

Source/Via

Google

YouTube gets smarter: AI boosts Shorts and Studio

Published

10 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.

AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.

YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.

Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.

Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.

For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”

YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.

For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.

These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.

Android

Faster keyboard switching on Android

Published

12 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key points:

Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.

Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.

Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.

For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.

While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.