Yet one more Pixel 10 leak exhibits off what seems to be Pixelsnap magnets

We’re now lower than every week away from Google’s big Pixel 10 series reveal, which is slated to happen at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT on August 20. As is so typically the case with soon-to-be-released Google gadgets, the {hardware} itself has already been leaked to the moon and again (together with by way of some teasers from the search giant itself).

Mounting evidence suggests that Google is able to undertake not solely native Qi2 wi-fi charging inside its Pixel 10 line, but in addition the MagSafe-style ring of magnets that has been standardized by way of the Wireless Power Consortium’s Magnetic Energy Profile (MPP) specification. This being Google, there’s additionally a rumor that the Pixel’s Qi2 implementation will sport a whimsical brand-name: Pixelsnap.

Now, all-new leaked photos from Dutch publication NieuweMobiel (via The Verge) showcase that Google’s first-party Pixel 10 instances may even function Qi2’s signature array of magnetics, which might be along with the rings embedded inside the smartphones themselves. In these leaked photos, an indigo (darkish blue) silicon case is proven from varied angles, with the round imprint of a magnetic ring seen from the within of the case.

Along with the indigo variant, NieuweMobiel showcases obsidian (black), limoncello (yellow), and frost (gentle blue) case flavors, which completely match up with the rumored array of Pixel 10 colorways. Separate renders of the identical case for the Pixel 10 Professional are additionally showcased, with moonstone (grey), jade (gentle inexperienced), and porcelain (beige) hues on show.

Pixelsnap is an enormous deal

Google could be about to single-handedly push the Android market ahead

Regardless of Qi2 and its Magnetic Energy Profile having been standardized for a while now, Android {hardware} makers have been reluctant to include the specification’s ring of magnets inside their telephones, flagship or in any other case. With the one exception of the HMD Skyline, the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, and others have as a substitute opted to magnetize their first-party instances, with out doing so for his or her handsets correct.

This has been a disappointing established order within the Android world, contemplating the plain comfort of with the ability to magnetically adhere a telephone to any variety of wi-fi charging stands, equipment, and peripherals. For reference, Apple’s analogous MagSafe customary (which really serves because the technological foundation of Qi2’s MPP) has been included on all iPhone fashions since 2020, with the one exception being the iPhone 16e.

If the rumors of built-in Pixelsnap magnets for the Pixel 10 sequence show correct, this might be a serious improvement. Pixel telephones do not promote at excessive volumes, however they do garner quite a lot of media consideration. As such, this resolution of confidence from Google would successfully thrust magnetic Qi2 into the mainstream, compelling different Android telephone makers to hop on the bandwagon with their subsequent flagship fashions.

Personally, I am unable to watch for a future wherein Qi2, magnets and all, attain ubiquity inside the Android {hardware} ecosystem. The flexibility to combine and match Qi2 and MagSafe equipment can be fantastic, and it’d deliver Android higher in keeping with the iPhone (and maybe scale back the friction of switching cell ecosystems).

Keep tuned for added Pixel 10 sequence protection from Pocket-lint within the coming days and weeks.