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.

Recommended Videos

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.

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

We already had a Pixel Tablet 12 years ago — you just forgot about it

The back of the Google Pixel Tablet.

The Google Pixel Tablet isn't the first time we've tried this. It didn't end so well then and likely is going to disappear with a whimper again. And that's a shame.

The year was 2011. It was an exciting time for Android, with the manufacturers almost tripping over themselves to release new devices faster than those of us who covered the things for a living could keep up. It wasn't uncommon for a device announcement to actually see several new products drop at the same time. Between the evolution of the Android software, the progression of hardware it ran on, and the competition of the U.S. carriers to have the "fastest" network in all the land — things were moving fast.
Motorola already tried this 12 years ago

Mobile

The Pixel 8 may fix two of my biggest complaints about the Pixel 7

The back of the Pixel 7 Pro held in a person's hand.

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are expected to arrive later this fall, and despite being months away from their release date, we're already learning a lot about them. Most recently, a new report has shed some light on various specs for the two phones — and it looks promising.

Over the weekend, Android Authority shared a few exclusive details about the Pixel 8 family, citing a "source inside Google" from which they came from. There's plenty to dig through here, but the most interesting has to do with the reported battery life and charging upgrades.
Upgrades to battery life and charging

Mobile

I’ve used an iPhone for 14 years. The Pixel Fold made me want to stop

Google Pixel Fold in Obsidian open on Pixar Pier portrait mode.

When Steve Jobs took the stage on January 9, 2007, to unveil the original iPhone, everyone was amazed at the little piece of technology he held in his hand. Then in June 2007, people could buy and get their hands on the very first iPhone — and the scope of the cell phone industry changed forever.

I personally didn't get the original iPhone on launch day, believe it or not. Instead, I received it as a birthday present in 2008 (my very first Apple product), but my clumsy self eventually dropped it on cement four months later, and the screen shattered. But instead of getting it fixed, I figured I might as well just get the iPhone 3G since it was just a few weeks away from release.