Google’s Pixel line has become the shining darling of the Android ecosystem, being first in line for operating system updates, featuring the best camera in the smartphone industry, and showcasing Google’s expertise in the hardware game. It is no surprise, then, that with all the hype surrounding Google’s upcoming Pixel 4, the “Big G” took to Twitter to leak it.
The image of the Google Pixel 4 tweeted on June 12 shows off the back of the Pixel 4, with no fingerprint sensor, and a very interesting looking camera setup. Rumors are swirling that the front of the phone will also go notch-less this time around after some Pixel fans expressed dislike of the Pixel 3’s rather large notch. Will the top bezel of the Pixel 4 feature new sensors, like maybe a facial authentication system similar to that of the iPhone X lineup? The lack of a rear fingerprint sensor also raises an interesting question. Is Google going for a phone that authenticates purely on facial recognition, or will it have an in-display fingerprint sensor like some of the newest offerings from companies like Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo? These are just a few possibilities to consider for the Pixel 4.
A new technology from Google dubbed “Project Soli” is rumored to be making its way onto the Pixel 4 as well. Project Soli is essentially a radar chip that enables users to interact with their phone without physically touching the screen, using air gestures. Google was given permission by the FCC to operate sensors related to Project Soli at frequencies above regulation. The FCC stated this was “…providing innovative device control features using touchless hand gesture tech.” The code supporting potentially supporting gesture controls was spotted in the Android Q beta by XDA developers. Project Soli could be an excellent way to interact with your smartphone whenever it is lying on a table or charging wirelessly.
Google Assistant is said to be getting a makeover with the Pixel 4, as well. The new Assistant should see faster response times to dictated commands, questions, and allow for a far more cohesive conversation flow. We also know that Android 10 Q is on its way, and should be out by the time the Pixel 4 finds its way to customer hands and wireless store shelves later this year. The Android Q beta is currently out now for all Pixel devices, the Essential PH-1, and several other newer Android flagships.
This isn’t the first time a Pixel device has been leaked, but it is one of the first times Google has taken the reins on the leaking. The Pixel 3 was famously left behind in a Lyft and tested in videos, and several of them found their way into online black markets. Similarly, the newest mid-range Pixel 3a was first shown off extensively on a Russian blog. The Big G decided it was going to be one of the first to sneak-peek the device this time around, and it is looking to be yet another home run, showcasing Android as it was meant to be, in all its Googley goodness.
