Google's Pixelsnap Charger has taken a significant step forward by allowing all users, not just those with Pixel devices, to access important firmware updates. This move highlights Google's commitment to enhancing the user experience with its accessories, making it more inclusive for a broader audience of smartphone users.
Your wireless charger might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering upgrades, but Google's Pixelsnap Charger is designed to stay up-to-date with the latest Qi2 wireless charging standards through firmware updates. If you've been using it with a non-Pixel phone, you may not realize that your charger could be missing out on enhancements. Recently, Google unveiled the ability for anyone to manually update the Pixelsnap Charger, a change that deserves attention.
Automatic Firmware Updates for Pixel Owners
For Pixel smartphone owners, updating the Pixelsnap Charger is a breeze. Your device automatically downloads the latest updates and transfers them to the charger whenever it's docked. To check your current firmware version, navigate to Settings, then Connected devices, and select the charger (the latest version available is 1.51.0).
What About Non-Pixel Users?
In a quiet update to its Pixelsnap support page, Google has made it clear that they are extending compatibility and support to non-Pixel users as well, a change that was quickly noticed by the Reddit community.
A Positive Shift in Google's Accessory Strategy
Limitations Still Exist
While this may not be a perfect solution, ignoring non-Pixel users altogether would have been an easier route for Google. The fact that they chose to include all users is a refreshing change that suggests promising growth in their accessory ecosystem. If this is the trajectory for the Pixelsnap Charger, it's certainly a welcome development.
