Pixel XL 2 to have Always-On ambient display with squeezable sides?

According to a report posted yesterday, the 2017 Pixel XL (or Pixel XL 2) will feature an ambient, Always-On display. With the latter, important information can be displayed on the screen, even if the device is locked and idle. Battery use is minimal, and users will be able toggle this feature on and off to their heart's content. Another previously rumored change would return the glass cover to the two-tone design on the back of the device. However, with the sequels, the glass would not cover the fingerprint scanner as it did with the original models.

Additionally, it sounds as though the Pixel XL 2 will have a feature that activates certain functions and opens apps by squeezing the sides of the phone. This would be similar to the Edge Sense squeezable sides on the HTC U11. Considering that HTC built the original Pixel handsets and could manufacture the Pixel XL 2 or both 2017 Pixel units, this is not a wild pie-in-the-sky theory. With Edge Sense, HTC U11 users' decide what actions take place with both a long squeeze and a short squeeze of the handset's sides. Google might be planning on adding additional capabilities such as allowing the user to stop the ringing on incoming calls with a quick squeeze.

There is talk about the use of a darker default theme for the Pixel sequels. Such a theme was seen in early versions of the Android O Developer preview. And Google might introduce a new system font with the 2017 Pixel models. The Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are both expected to be unveiled during the first week of October.

source: XDA

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11 Comments

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posted on 14 Jul 2017, 09:33

1. XperiaFanZone (Posts: 2223; Member since: 21 Sep 2012)

What's more likely: 1310p or 1440p? The 1310p resolution is terrible, should have been 1440p * ~ 2700

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 09:40 1

2. Bankz (Posts: 1931; Member since: 08 Apr 2016)

Pls give us a dark theme. Btw, why is it called squeeze? Why not press? the words squeeze just sounds off tbh

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 10:23 1

4. maple_mak (Posts: 843; Member since: 18 Dec 2013)

Let me guess... to avoid button broken?

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 09:42

3. kent-gaga (Posts: 571; Member since: 10 Apr 2012)

I really hope the squeezable sides thingy will actually be useful this time

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 11:09 1

5. trojan_horse (Posts: 4569; Member since: 06 May 2016)

I think the squeezable sides thingy is already quite useful with HTC's implementation.

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 13:47

8. uzimafioso (Posts: 458; Member since: 15 Jul 2014)

That's my question. If previous reports are considered this year's Pixels will be made by HTC, which is again reinforced with the squeeze functionality, yet recent rumors point towards a LG made device...

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 16:10

11. Finalflash (Posts: 3485; Member since: 23 Jul 2013)

Or both like in the case of the Nexus 5X and 6P where different manufacturers made it. Hopefully this time we have 2 different premium/high end devices by two different OEMs, would make things so much more interesting. Then hopefully they just stock enough phones to actually make a dent in the market. The Pixel brand is widely known enough now to be worth pumping out in large quantities.

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 11:14 1

6. Metropolis75 (Posts: 167; Member since: 28 Aug 2012)

Mr. Whipple didn't want us squeezing the Charmin. Why are we trying to squeeze our cell phones?

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 13:28 1

7. ph00ny (Posts: 1463; Member since: 26 May 2011)

Only downside to squeeze is triggering actions by an accident

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 14:03

9. p51d007 (Posts: 352; Member since: 24 Nov 2013)

Considering how you see these things SQUEEZED into the back and front pockets of kids wearing those crazy skinny jeans, how many things will get launched, by just being in their pockets?

posted on 14 Jul 2017, 15:16 1

10. ph00ny (Posts: 1463; Member since: 26 May 2011)

Apparently you can adjust the pressure required to squeeze but you would have to change the trigger to vice like grip settings to prevent it from triggering