Google's Pixel 10 boasts advanced Qi2 magnets, potentially rekindling the enchantment of Motorola's Mod accessory system.
In a move reminiscent of Motorola's Moto Mods, Google is planning to introduce a new modular accessory system with its upcoming Pixel 10 lineup. The new system, tentatively named Pixelsnap, will leverage the built-in Qi2 magnets and capitalise on the success of the Pixelsnap branding.
The Pixel 10 lineup will be the first major Android device to include Qi2's magnet array within the smartphone itself, setting it apart from brands like Samsung and OnePlus that have dipped their toes into Qi2 support. This integration will allow for a Moto Mods-style reboot, with the Pixel 10 devices featuring built-in magnets.
Moto Mods, introduced by Motorola in 2016, were hot-swappable accessories that offered a variety of functionalities such as camera systems, speakers, battery packs, game controllers, photo printers, and a projector. These mods attached magnetically to the back of the Moto Z, seamlessly integrating with the device to temporarily add functionality.
However, the original Moto Z looked wildly dated next to practically any other smartphone on the market by the end of the Z-series. Early excitement for Moto Mods had fizzled out by 2018, resulting in layoffs from its Chicago-based team and the eventual death of the Z-series after its fourth-gen model.
Google is looking to avoid these pitfalls by making improvements to the modular accessory system. For instance, they plan to launch a curated set of first-party accessories for immediate variety and quality, alongside support for third-party MagSafe/Qi2 compatible devices.
Google is also considering offering modular style shells to personalise device aesthetics in addition to functional mods. They aim to integrate wireless charging and data transfer more efficiently through Qi2 standards, potentially allowing sleeker, more reliable attachments.
Moreover, Google is planning to leverage the Pixel 10’s design and magnet placement to ensure solid physical and electrical connections, possibly updating communication protocols beyond pogo pins to modern standards. They are also taking advantage of advanced software integration on the Pixel platform to enable dynamic accessory detection and seamless switching between modes directly in Android.
The Pixel 10 series is expected to have a design reminiscent of the Moto Z, with a squared-off, protruding camera bump that could be used to hold accessories in place. The Pixel 10 lineup is also expected to have optional first-party accessories in addition to third-party MagSafe/Qi2 accessories.
However, it is unclear how Pixelsnap will communicate with magnetic accessories, as it may not be as effective as the pogo pin implementation on the Moto Z. Google is building Moto Mods-style support into its entire 2025 flagship lineup, promising wider attention than Moto Mods ever received.
There is an opportunity for Google and third-party partners to innovate on exciting accessories for the Pixel 10 series, such as a hybrid power bank-meets-Bluetooth speaker, a wallet add-on, and a crazy slider QWERTY keyboard.
Despite the potential increase in thickness due to Qi2 support, the Pixel 10 series is expected to be chunky, potentially over 12mm thick with a magnetic shell. This could be a minor drawback compared to the benefits of the modular accessory system.
In conclusion, Google's Pixel 10 series hardware and ecosystem positioning seem well suited to make a modular accessory system inspired by Moto Mods more practical, attractive, and popular in 2025 than it was in the Moto Z era.
[1] Moto Z mods explained: What these attachable accessories do [2] Google's Pixel 10 series could feature a modular accessory system like Moto Mods [3] Moto Z's camera bump is actually a clever design element [4] Moto Mods: Everything you need to know [5] Moto Z: Why the modular phone is a revolutionary idea
- The Pixel 10 series, reminiscent of Motorola's Moto Mods, is set to introduce a modular accessory system called Pixelsnap, leveraging tech like Qi2 magnets for seamless integration of smartphones, gadgets, and other accessories.
- In 2025, Google's flagship lineup will not only feature a modular accessory system, mimicking the style of Moto Mods, but also offer a diverse range of smartphone-compatible gadgets, including innovative accessories such as a hybrid power bank-meets-Bluetooth speaker, a wallet add-on, and a unique slider QWERTY keyboard.
