Google's Pixel 10 may employ Qi2 magnets, harking back to Motorola Mods' enchantment, signalizing a potential resurrection of their charm.
The tech world is abuzz with rumours about Google's upcoming Pixel 10 lineup, and one exciting possibility is the revival of a modular phone ecosystem, reminiscent of Motorola's Moto Mods.
First introduced in 2016, Moto Mods offered a variety of accessories such as camera systems, speakers, battery packs, game controllers, photo printers, and even a projector. However, the Moto Z series, which included Moto Mods, did not achieve mainstream success. Now, Google is considering a Moto Mods-style reboot, tailor-made for the Pixel 10 lineup.
The Pixel 10 lineup is expected to have built-in magnets for magnetic accessories, making it well-positioned to revive a Moto Mods-style ecosystem with more convenience and broader base support. The design, including its squared-off camera bump combined with magnets, is reminiscent of the Moto Z series and could help securely attach these modules, revitalizing the modular phone concept with a modern twist.
However, there are challenges involved. The original Moto Mods system used pogo pins for more advanced data and power connections, whereas the Pixel 10’s Qi2 magnetic approach might be limited mostly to charging and passive accessories. This could restrict the scope and functionality of modular additions compared to the Moto Mods that supported full hardware expansions like camera modules or speakers.
Success depends heavily on developer and third-party support to build a broad and innovative accessory ecosystem. Google and third-party partners have the opportunity to innovate on some half-forgotten ideas from 2016 with the Pixel 10 lineup.
The Pixel 10 lineup, like the Pixel 9 lineup before it, is expected to be chunky, with a thickness of over 12mm when a magnetic shell is added. This could be a drawback for some users who prefer sleek, ultra-slim phones. However, Google is designing a variety of exciting accessories for the Pixel 10 lineup, such as a hybrid power bank-meets-Bluetooth speaker, a wallet add-on, and a crazy slider QWERTY keyboard.
Samsung and OnePlus are among the brands that have dipped their toes into Qi2 support, but the Pixel 10 lineup will be the first major Android device to include Qi2's magnet array within the smartphone itself. This native Qi2 support will enable magnetic chargers, wallets, stands, and more, making the Pixel 10 lineup a compelling contender in the modular phone market.
Despite the limitations compared to the original Moto Mods system, the Pixel 10 lineup's Qi2 magnetic support and design make it well-positioned to revive a Moto Mods-style ecosystem with more convenience and broader base support. Whether Google can deliver on the full modular hardware promise remains to be seen, but the potential for innovation is undeniable.
[1] TechCrunch: Google's Pixel 10 lineup could bring back Moto Mods-style accessories
[2] The Verge: Google's Pixel 10 lineup could feature a Moto Mods-style magnetic accessory system
[3] Android Central: Google's Pixel 10 lineup could bring back Moto Mods-style accessories
- The Pixel 10 lineup, following in the footsteps of Motorola's Moto Mods, might potentially introduce a modular phone ecosystem that offers a variety of smartphone accessories, including camera systems, speakers, and even unique add-ons like a hybrid power bank-meets-Bluetooth speaker or a slider QWERTY keyboard.
- The upcoming Pixel 10 lineup, like Motorola's Moto Z series, is expected to include technology that allows for magnetic accessories, such as smartphones and gadgets that attach via built-in magnets, broadening the scope for modular phone additions.
