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Pixel 6 series might bring back Active Edge (Update: Likely a false alarm)
- A leak suggested Google could reinstate the Active Edge feature on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
- However, upon further examination, it seems the rumor was a false alarm.
- The leaked case listings for the phones also mention a Pixel 5 feature, but it’s unclear if that’s also a false alarm.
Update, September 14, 2021 (11:30 AM ET): It looks like the news below may have been a false alarm. As it turns out, the case listings in question just duplicate the text from previous cases. Recent Pixel phones without Active Edge support also have the same placeholder text. As such, it’s likely the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will not have the much-loved feature.
However, it is possible that we could still see it, regardless of what these case leaks say. Keep your expectations low, though.
Original article, September 14, 2021 (04:09 AM ET): Google might be borrowing some features from the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 for its upcoming Pixel 6 flagship duo. Case listings for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, found by popular tipster and Roland Quandt and viewed by XDA‘s Mishaal Rahman, suggest that the phones might bring back the Active Edge feature that last appeared on the Google Pixel 4. Additionally, the listings also mention the Battery Share feature, which we saw on the Pixel 5.
Google introduced Active Edge on the Pixel 2 but dumped the feature on the Pixel 5. It allows users to launch the Google Assistant by simply squeezing the sides of the phone, although you can remap it to do other things.
Related: Try this app if you miss Active Edge on the Google Pixel 5
Last year, a poll conducted on Android Authority concluded that most of our readers like the Active Edge function, so its return on the Pixel 6 series should be good news for them.
As for Battery Share, the feature allows users to charge Qi-compliant accessories or phones wirelessly. It was introduced with the Pixel 5 and would be nice to have on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
That said, the aforementioned information relies on retail listings that don’t contain any images. We also have no way of confirming if they present accurate information. However, Quandt insists the SKU IDs are real. He says it would be surprising if the details mentioned in the listings are just placeholder text.
Meanwhile, the colors mentioned for the fabric cases in the listings include Stormy Sky, Light Rain, Cotton Candy for the Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 Pro should get Stormy Sky, Light Frost, Golden Glow, Soft Sage case colorways.