It is now official. The Google Pixel 3 is here and Google have provided a few official accessories designed specifically for the Pixel 3 phones. All three different accessories are available here in Australia so let’s check them out.
Pixel Stand
The Pixel Stand is Google’s new Qi wireless charging stand that will not only charge the phone but will also place it in a mode that allows for optimised viewing from anywhere in the room and provide a totally different experience while charging. The stand is designed to allow the phone to be charged with or without case, in portrait or landscape and will charge at up to 10W.
The new charging dock stands the phone in a near-vertical position with a grip pad on the bottom to hold the device being charged in position. It is powered by the USB-C port on the back of the charger. The Pixel Stand will not only work with Pixel 3 phones but also with any Qi compatible device.
When a Pixel 3 phone is charging on the Pixel Stand it will display an interface that is designed for use while charging. The interface of course enables the always on Google Assistant, turning your charging display into a Home Hub of sorts. It will be possible to display not just photos from Google Photos but also the video feed from a Nest Doorbell along with many other uses. The Pixel Stand will also trigger a “more thoughtful alarm clock” which will change colours to slowly wake you as you near the alarm time. It will then greet you with your daily schedule. The goal is to provide a more visual, helpful experience from your phone while it is charging.
The Pixel Stand is available in Australia for pre-order now for AU$119 shipping between the 13th and the 17th of November.
Google Pixel USB-C Earbuds
While we did not see new Pixel Buds this year Google did make some earbuds — this time some more lower end earbuds that not only are included in the box of a Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL but can also be purchased separately. Available at just AU$45 the earbuds include an inline remote to summon your Google Assistant, adjust the volume or listen to notifications from your device. The earbuds also include Pixel Bud functionality such as real-time translation of over 40 different languages from Google Translate from devices running Android 9.0 and above.
The design of the earbuds is very similar to the design of the Pixel Buds with the adjustable loops to the secure fit in the ear but this time are a glossy white plastic. The earbuds apparently “work best” with Pixel 3 phones but should work with most, if not all, USB-C device for audio.
The earbuds are available for purchase now from the Google Store for just $45 but they do come in the box of a Pixel 3 phone so unless you want a spare pair or plan on breaking them you may not want to spend the funds on this just yet.
Google Pixel 3 Cases
Google make a premium cases for their phones and this year is no different with new fabric cases being added to the Google Store for the all new Pixel 3 phones. The new fabric cases will offer decent protection while will still allowing a Pixel Stand to charge the phone. Active Edge on the phones will also work easily through the new cases, just as it did last year. Once again the outside of the cases is a knit exterior with a soft microfibre liner on the inside to protect the phone.
It is available now for pre-order for AU$59 (same price for both size phones) in Carbon, Indigo, Fog and Pink Moon colours.
Google has also updated their range of Live Cases for the Pixel 3 in a new section in accessories they’ve labelled ‘My Cases’. My Cases allows you to create one of three styles of live cases for AU$69 from the Google Store. You can choose to upload your own photo, create an ‘Artworks’ case based on illustrations and collections by artists or a ‘Places’ case allowing you to customise and edit a case based on location.
The My Cases allow you to personalise your case fully even letting you choose the colour of the inside liner of your My Case for Pixel 3 to match your phone colour. The case even affords your phone some protection with hard and soft molded layers made of Polycarbonate (PC) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a matte finish to help protect your Pixel from everyday drops.
The new Pixel 3 phones are not cheap phones and you want to get the best out of your phone while keeping it looking brand new — this is why Google are making premium accessories. If you are purchasing a Pixel 3 phone why not have a look at one or more of these accessories and add them to your cart.
The USB-C earbuds might be of interest to Pixel #1 and #2 owners.
It would be interesting to know how the sound quality of the USB-C earbuds compares to last year’s wireless Pixel Buds.
Could the Pixel Kick Stand (Qi charger) be used by another brand?
I have a pixel 1 and was wondering if I got the pixel buds with the USB-C to headphone jack adapter. Would they work with My pixel ?? Been wanting to try the translating option.