Google

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

Published

7 months 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

New Google Home app update resolves issues for reset Chromecast devices

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just released a solution for people who reset their 2nd-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. This comes after last week’s update, which helped most users with their streaming gadgets.

For those who tried fixing problems by doing a factory reset, Google has a simple answer. You’ll need to update your Google Home app to these versions:

Android: 3.30.1.6
iOS: 3.30.106 (now widely available)

Once updated, you can set up your Chromecast (2nd gen) or Chromecast Audio again without trouble. The update is starting today, but it might take a couple of days to reach everyone. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community for the latest news.

Google also shared that if you didn’t reset your device, it should already be working fine. But if something still feels off, you can check your device’s firmware version with the steps provided by Google. If it’s not on the right version, just restart your device to kick off the update.

In a message sent today, Google said:

“We’re really sorry for the hassle this caused. We’re working hard to get everyone back to normal as fast as we can.”

This update shows Google’s effort to fix things quickly and keep users happy with their Chromecast devices.

Google

Pixel 9a unboxing videos reveal a simpler modem

Published

6 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s Pixel 9a is almost here, with an expected launch later this week. But before the official reveal, some early videos have popped up online, giving us a sneak peek at the phone—and hinting that its modem might not match the rest of the Pixel 9 family.

A YouTuber named Sahil Karoul got his hands on a Pixel 9a in Dubai. He picked up the “Iris” purple version and shared a full unboxing. The box looks just like the ones for other Pixel 9 phones—pretty basic, with a SIM tool, a USB-C cable, and a few papers inside. The video also highlights the phone’s smooth, matte purple finish on the back and sides, which looks pretty cool.

In the video, Sahil shows that the Pixel 9a runs on a Tensor G4 chip with 8GB of RAM. But the big news is the modem. The video shows a baseband code starting with “g5300,” which points to an Exynos 5300 modem. Other Pixel 9 models use a “g5400” code, tied to the newer Exynos 5400 modem. So, the Pixel 9a’s connection speed might feel closer to the older Pixel 8 than the shiny new Pixel 9.

The unboxing also includes some test scores from apps like AnTuTu and GeekBench, plus gameplay from PUBG Mobile, where the phone seems to hold up well. There are even a few camera shots to check out. Sahil’s video is in Hindi, but if you prefer English, another review from The Mobile Central (spotted by Android Police) covers the Pixel 9a too.

Google is likely dropping the Pixel 9a details later this week—rumors say March 19 could be the big day. For now, these early looks give us a solid idea of what’s coming, even if the modem news might disappoint some fans. Stay tuned!

Google

Google Assistant drops 7 more tools on Android and smart devices

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Last Friday, we found out that Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant on Android phones. Alongside this, Google quietly shared that Assistant is losing seven more tools. Earlier this year, in 2024, Google already cut 18 features from Android, smart screens, and speakers. Now, they’ve added seven more to the list:

You can no longer use your voice to like, share, or ask about the time and place of your photos. (You can still do this in the Google Photos app or check details on your smart screen or tablet.)
Voice commands won’t adjust photo frame or background screen settings anymore. (You can tweak these in your smart display’s settings instead.)
The interpreter mode, which helped translate live chats with someone speaking a different language, is gone. (Single words or short phrases can still be translated. Check out interpreter mode details.)
Birthday alerts won’t pop up in Routines anymore. (You can still ask Assistant to remind you about birthdays.)
You can’t schedule or hear Family Bell announcements with your voice. (Learn how to set up a Routine instead.)
Daily updates, like getting the weather every day, won’t come automatically. (Set them up yourself with a custom Routine.)
Assistant won’t work with car gadgets using Bluetooth or AUX connections.

The photo slideshow changes aren’t a big deal, but they take away some ease. Family Bell was loved by many, and now Routines is the go-to option.
Back in 2019, Google launched Assistant’s Interpreter Mode, turning smart screens and speakers into handy translation tools. It worked on Android too. Now, the Google Translate app on your phone is the better, more advanced choice to replace it.