The Samsung Galaxy S20 launch marked the beginning of the new generation of smartphones. OEMs, including Google and Apple, are also working on their phones and OS updates and it seems that this year will be quite eventful for smartphone makers. It’s February and we have already started seeing leaks and reports about the Google Pixel 5, which launches in the fourth quarter of the calendar year. Further, Google has released the first Android 11 Developer Preview and its source code has given an important piece of information.
Last week saw the renders of the alleged Google Pixel 5 sporting a triple camera setup in a semi-circular module. The mention of the Google ‘Pixel 5’ in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) has confirmed that Google’s next smartphone will continue with the conventional naming scheme. Further evidence was found in the first Android 11 Developer Preview not only cements the existence of the phone but also reveals an important feature about the handset.
Prototype Pixel 5 render, front and back.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) February 20, 2020
Forehead is slightly smaller than Pixel 4 - still giving room for the Soli Radar system.
I still hope this isn’t the final design.
Think it looks better in white? pic.twitter.com/lOtQkyY5fY
XDA Developers’ Mishaal Rahman has spotted the mention of the reverse wireless charging feature in the Android 11 Developer Preview source code. He spotted ‘Battery Share’ feature, which could be Google’s version of reverse wireless charging. A screenshot shared by the Rahman shows a warning that reads, ‘Your phone’s battery will run out faster when using Battery Share.’ The feature will work with phones and all other wireless charging-compatible devices.
The feature was first introduced by Huawei Mate 20 Pro, and was later offered in Mate 30 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Galaxy Note 10 Series and most-recently to the Galaxy S20 series. The technology is currently not as successful as the wired charging is, but it sure helps to juice up a dying device and get some extra minutes.
