The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will get a release in a few months, alongside Android P.

But that’s not all. No, Google is also planning on releasing a new smart, wireless charger – something it’s calling the Pixel Stand.

The Pixel Stand will be a wireless charger for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. But it will also act as a smart speaker of sorts, meaning it’ll kind of be a Google Home-light device.

This means you can leverage Google Assistant while you charge your smartphone.

Most reports seem to agree that the Pixel Stand will launch alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL later this year – at the same event.

Google is also believed to be working on a bunch of additional products for the launch, including an expansion of its Home devices, as well as – potentially – a new tablet/hybrid device.

The Pixel Stand – price unknown – is just another way to get people using Google Assistant in an organic useful way. The idea behind, if I understand correctly, it is pretty simple:

It charges your Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL, wirelessly, and can also answer questions and do things for you (just like Google Home).

Google Pixel 3 Wireless Charging Confirmed

Pretty much. If Google is making a smart wireless charger for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, you can pretty much bet that both handsets will feature wireless charging.

To be honest, it’s kind of weird that the first and second generation of Pixel phones didn’t feature wireless charging. I mean, the technology has been around for a LONG time.

I know it wasn’t great a couple of years back, but it’s not exactly a difficult (or expensive) addition to a phone. Plus, the Pixel phones are definitely not what you’d describe as cheap either.

Perhaps Google is taking a leaf from Apple’s playbook: leave features out of the handsets in order to bolster interest in future models? It’s certainly worked well for Apple over the years.

This update has been rumored for a while now, and the advent of the Pixel Stand all but confirms it.

Google CONFIRMS Pixel Stand

The Pixel Stand was mentioned in the latest update for the Google App, as noted by 9to5Google, where a bunch of commands were listed.

• <string name=”trusted_dock_action_text”>I Agree</string>
• <string name=”trusted_dock_cancel_text”>No thanks</string>
• <string name=”trusted_dock_message”>Your Assistant can use your personal info to make suggestions, answer questions, and take actions for you when your phone is locked and on your Pixel Stand</string>
• <string name=”trusted_dock_title”>Get personalized help when your phone is on your Pixel Stand</string>

The Pixel Stand will be able to handle commands, just like Google Home, even when the phone is charging or the display is not on.

There will be some kind of speaker, likely somewhere in between what the Google Home Mini and Google Home have, so don’t go expecting it to power a party.

But it’ll certainly suffice for taking commands from your bedside table.

Google Pixel 3 Release Date

The Google Pixel 3 (and Pixel 3 XL), as well as the Pixel Stand, will ALL get official in a few months time, just in time for the release of Android P.

No word on pricing for any of these things just yet, but all should become clear in the coming weeks and months.