Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Google’s new Pixel Stand is environmentally friendly and as ugly as sin

By Rebecca Isaacs October 19, 2021

As a part of today’s Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launch, Google announced the latest iteration of its Pixel Stand. Dubbed a “superfast wireless charging station” by the company, it will deliver 23 watts of power and is compatible with Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and “hundreds of Qi-certified devices.” It also comes with the added bonus of being environmentally friendly — and the rather significant downside of being ugly as sin, with a big increase in bulk compared to the previous-generation Pixel Stand.

There is some reason for the bulk, though. Users can expect built-in fans to keep devices cool while they’re charging. When the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro is docked, it can also be used as a smart hub for all of your Google devices, including Nest cams, thermostats, and more.

1 of 2

Pixel Stand bulky. — Look at how chunky it is from the back. What is going on here? Google

Pixel stand feature shot. — Google

For those concerned about the Earth, the new Pixel Stand is comprised of 39 percent recycled materials. While the TPU and polycarbonate build is a thoughtful design focus on sustainability it lacks a clear focus. The previous model of the Google Pixel Stand was sleek and slim to maximize tabletop space. This is the opposite. It will have a bigger footprint on your desk and nightstand, and it looks rather unsightly as well.

Presumably, this was done to add the fans for cooling features, which is important when you’re trying to fast charge power-hungry devices. But there is a way to add cooling through fans or heat sinks without making the stand so bulky. Samsung and OnePlus are both proof of that.

Pixel owners can expect to pay $79 for the new Pixel Stand — the same price as its predecessor — and you will soon be able to buy it on the Google Store, though the date isn’t specified yet. Google also announced the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro today, which will be available October 28 to consumers.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Rebecca Isaacs began writing for Digital Trends in September 2021. She has been involved in tech space since 2019 and has…

Mobile

Google can create the perfect Pixel phone — if it changes one thing

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a held in a person's hand.

A new Google Pixel A-series has launched, and it's sure to make reasonably priced phones quiver in their boots. The Google Pixel 7a introduces new features for the A-series, including a 90Hz refresh rate, the highest megapixel count ever on a midrange Google phone, and the Tensor G2 processor. It's a solid smartphone, and it puts up a good fight against a number of similar devices — including the Samsung Galaxy A54 and even the flagship Google Pixel 7.

But the fact that it's able to stand up against its flagship brethren highlights a concern -- the price. The Pixel 7a costs $499, which is only $100 away from the Pixel 7. That small disparity means there's a big gap underneath the Pixel 7a for another phone. The $349 Pixel 6a helps to fill some of that gap, but it's not enough. It's time Google embraced the budget phone market by creating a Pixel phone for those who want a truly cheap smartphone with the Pixel name. Not convinced? Let me make my case.
A budget Pixel would be good for everyone

Mobile

Have an old Google Pixel? This camera test will make you want a Pixel 7a

The Pixel 7a and Pixel 4a's camera modules.

Three years separate the Google Pixel 4a and the Google Pixel 7a, and the internal specs and camera hardware are very different. But just how much do you notice when putting the two against each other and taking photos?

If you have a Pixel 4a and are thinking the Pixel 7a would be a good upgrade — or are interested to see how Google has advanced its camera and related software over the past three years — this test is for you.
How the cameras differ

Mobile

What’s the inside of a Pixel 7a look like? This cool case shows you

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One Pixel 7a case in hand

This year’s Google I/O 2023 conference has come and gone, but we got a slew of brand-new hardware announcements coming from Google. This includes the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. However, there was also a new addition to the Pixel smartphone lineup that you can buy right now — the Pixel 7a. This is the budget version of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, though you can still buy last year’s Pixel 6a as well.

Despite being the most affordable of the new Pixel lineup, it’s always a good idea to keep it safe in a case. But with so many options of great Pixel 7a cases out there, which one should you pick up? If you’re a techie and appreciate a teardown of the devices that you’re using (without actually tearing it down), then you should check out Spigen’s new Ultra Hybrid Zero One case for the Pixel 7a.
A teardown without the actual teardown