Standby for Hub Mode: Google desires to show your Android cellphone into a sensible show

Certainly one of iOS’s standout options is Standby Mode, which transforms an iPhone right into a mini sensible show. When charging and positioned horizontally, iPhones activate Standby Mode, displaying a full-screen clock, photograph body, widgets, or Reside Actions. This function notably shines when utilizing a MagSafe charger, because it really offers the iPhone the looks of a sensible show. Whereas Android at present lacks a direct equal to iOS’ Standby Mode, there are hints that Google could also be creating its personal model. Right here’s how I do know.

Final week, Google up to date its Google System Launch Notes web page with an intriguing line for Google Play Providers v25.18. It mentions a “new function” that permits you to “use Solid on standby-friendly gadgets,” particularly tagged with (Cellphone), indicating it’s for the cellular model of Android, not Put on OS, Google TV, Google Play Video games on PC, or Android Automotive.

Whereas considerably ambiguous, we interpret this to imply Android cellular gadgets can now solid content material to “standby-friendly” gadgets. Present Google Solid-compatible gadgets—like Google TV, Google House sensible audio system and shows, and tablets in Hub Mode—seemingly don’t fall into this new “standby-friendly” class, suggesting Google is referring to a special set of {hardware}.

The Google Pixel Pill in Hub Mode.

So, what gadgets may Google imply by “standby-friendly?” My interpretation is that this refers to Android telephones geared up with Hub Mode and Chromecast built-in, very similar to the Pixel Pill. Technically, the one barrier to Android telephones appearing as Google Solid receivers has been the absence of the Chromecast built-in app and vital DRM keys, not a elementary {hardware} limitation.

The seemingly purpose Google hasn’t enabled its telephones as Solid receivers earlier than is the potential for a suboptimal consumer expertise. Casting usually targets landscape-oriented gadgets like TVs and sensible shows. Most telephones, nevertheless, stay in portrait mode even when docked, largely as a result of, in contrast to iPhones, many Android telephones lack magnetic wi-fi charging that might facilitate straightforward panorama placement on a charger. This {hardware} distinction could clarify why Google hasn’t prioritized optimizing the display saver or lock display widget expertise for cellphone screens.

Nonetheless, the panorama is clearly shifting. Firstly, the Qi2 wi-fi charging commonplace introduces magnetic charging to Android telephones. Whereas at present, just one Qi2 Android cellphone is obtainable, Samsung has confirmed it’s launching a Qi2-compatible Galaxy system this yr. Google has additionally repeatedly said its dedication to increasing Qi2 assist inside the Android ecosystem and even spearheaded the event of the Qi v2.2 commonplace, which guarantees charging speeds exceeding the 15W most of Qi2.

A Pixel 9 Professional mounted on a Qi2 desk stand due to a third-party MagSafe case

Though there’s no official affirmation that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 will assist Qi2 or Qi v2.2, it wouldn’t be shocking if it did, as Google’s latest developments align nicely with the Pixel 10’s potential launch timeline. In spite of everything, the Pixel 10 may launch as early as August, assuming Google follows an identical schedule to the Pixel 9. And Google confirmed earlier this yr its plans to introduce lock display widgets to telephones in Android 16’s first quarterly launch (QPR1). The Pixel 10 will seemingly debut with Android 16 and shortly after obtain an replace to Android 16 QPR1, enabling lock display widget assist.

Notably, the lock display widget function is a part of Android’s Hub Mode, which Google is at present optimizing for telephones. Contemplating this, it’s affordable to conclude that Hub Mode will function Android’s model of Standby Mode. When Hub Mode arrives on telephones with Android 16 QPR1, customers will be capable to seamlessly change between their display saver (displaying clocks, photograph frames, and so forth.) and their widgets. Sound acquainted? That’s exactly how Standby Mode features on iOS.

Whereas I admit that the proof for a devoted Standby Mode on Android has been considerably circumstantial, there’s extra to it than simply that single line within the Google System Launch Notes. In actual fact, whereas analyzing Android 16’s code, I found a brand new string indicating Google plans so as to add a “Standby” button to Android’s International Motion dialog (the ability menu).

Digging deeper, I realized that this new “Standby” button is designed to set off the display saver and lock display widgets, successfully tying all these components collectively. So, whereas the preliminary clue might need been weak, this new hyperlink strengthens the case, and I feel my total conclusion is stable.

Qi2 charging assist is undoubtedly coming to extra Android gadgets; it’s a matter of when, not if. In preparation for a future the place Android telephones could be simply docked horizontally on wi-fi chargers, Google is enhancing Hub Mode for telephones, permitting them to supply greater than only a fundamental clock or photograph show. Whether or not we see Android telephones leveraging this expanded Hub Mode this yr or subsequent stays to be seen, however its arrival appears inevitable.