Google skipped Qi 2 on the Pixel 9 Pro so I took matters into my own hands Hallie Frederick | usagoldmines.com

Name me loopy, however MagSafe would possibly simply be essentially the most impactful enchancment within the smartphone accent ecosystem. A easy ring of magnets embedded within the cellphone has opened up an entire world of equipment that seamlessly combine with the iPhone.

From wallets to tripods, energy banks, and desk charging stations, I’ve invested a good sum of money in buying a collection of equipment that work completely with my iPhone. However there’s a catch. Like many smartphone lovers, I dual-wield smartphones. And none of those equipment are suitable with my Pixel 9 Pro. So, I made a decision to take issues into my very own arms.

In a super world, all 2024 flagships would help the Qi2 commonplace. Developed as a follow-up to the ever-present Qi wi-fi charging commonplace, Qi2 helps the identical magnetic alignment infrastructure as MagSafe.

In truth, Apple contributed to the event of the usual. Nonetheless, we’re not in a super world, and the one Qi2-compatible cellphone is, mockingly, an HMD system. You’d count on the most recent Pixel, Google’s flag bearer of Android smartphones, to be on level with the most recent commonplace, however that’s clearly not the case.

However as all the time, there’s an answer. I picked up the Ringke Onyx MagSafe suitable case for the Pixel 9 Professional ($19.99 at Amazon) to provide all of it the identical capabilities as my iPhone 16 Professional Max, and it’s been incredible.

At first look, the case seems to be no totally different from the 1000’s of smartphone instances in the marketplace. It’s ever so barely thicker than many different choices, however not sufficient to be noticeable whenever you slip a cellphone into it. To this point, so good. However the secret sauce lies within the collection of magnets built-in into the again of the cellphone. These magnets assist you to connect virtually any MagSafe accent to your smartphone.

During the last couple of years, I’ve stopped carrying my pockets altogether. Between digital funds, I solely actually need a bank card for giant purchases, and my MagSafe pockets is ideal for storing a few playing cards. Beforehand, if I weren’t carrying my iPhone alongside, I’d simply slip the pockets into one other pocket. Nonetheless, Ringke’s case lets me preserve it shut at hand on the Pixel.

Elsewhere, I often carry a MagSafe tripod with me when assembly pals to seize group photographs. However, clearly, that tripod solely works with an iPhone. Not anymore. The magnets within the Pixel 9 Professional’s case are sturdy sufficient to permit me to place the cellphone precisely as I need — each vertically and horizontally.

In fact, MagSafe energy banks are yet one more apparent use case. I do know it’s not essentially the most environment friendly option to cost on the go, however there’s a sure comfort that comes from not having to lug a cable round. It’s a cleaner and far neater setup, and all it took was a case to make the Pixel 9 Professional suitable with my energy financial institution.

Lastly, I’ve talked about my love for the iPhone’s Standby Mode in depth. I even went forward and picked up aesthetic desk equipment to finish the look. Nonetheless, as you’d have guessed it, these desk charging equipment are MagSafe solely. Beforehand, I’d simply resort to digging out a cable to cost up the Pixel. Due to the Ringke case, my Pixel 9 Professional can now comfortably cost on the identical mount.

Look, I’m a easy man with easy wants. All I need is an ecosystem of equipment that work collectively. Whereas multi-million greenback firms strive to determine tips on how to use the most recent tech requirements, the answer is usually not that difficult.

In my case, all it took was an after-market case so as to add help for all my equipment. However hey, Google, should you’re listening — it shouldn’t need to be like this, and I actually hope the Pixel 10 lineup contains help for Qi2 proper out of the field.