The new Pixel and Pixel XL from Google have been launched this morning, they’re fast, feature a new version of Android including VR support for Daydream and the Pixel launcher – but they also have a new Quick Charging feature, and for that it seems they need a new power supply.
The Pixel and Pixel XL both support higher voltage (up to 9V), and higher power capacity which merits a new 18W charger. Google has put up spare chargers on the Google Store as an accessory (you can’t order them yet), but will also be included in the box. The new higher charge capacity allows the phones to be topped up with up to 7 hours of charge in just 15 minutes.
Speaking on his Google+ profile, Googler Benson Leung has also advised that the new phones also support USB Power Delivery (USB PD). Benson says that USB PD on the Pixel and Pixel XL supports both the data-role and power-role swaps, with support for 5V/3A and 9V/2A. USB PD allows for increased power levels, power flow direction is no longer fixed, there’s optimised power management across multiple devices, and allows low power cases such as headsets to negotiate for only the power they require.
The USB PD function could be quite useful for some people and it’s a nice addition from Google.
