Google’s Pixelsnap Chargers will get firmware updates

Just like other modern devices, the Pixelsnap Charger will see firmware updates, with the latest version of Pixel Stand revealing some details.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

On the Pixel 10 series, the Pixel Stand app is more like a background service. Version 2.2.0.834194002 is widely rolling out today with strings about “Pixelsnap firmware.”

• <string name=”kitt_settings_firmware_version_title”>Firmware version</string>
• <string name=”kitt_settings_firmware_version_attach_charger”>”Attach your Pixelsnap charger to view your device’s firmware version“</string>
• <string name=”kitt_settings_firmware_version_under_checking”>Checking firmware\u2026 this may take a few minutes.</string>
• <string name=”kitt_settings_checking_firmware_version”>Checking firmware\u2026</string>
• <string name=”kitt_settings_firmware_version_check_fail”>”Couldn’t get firmware version. Try again later.”</string>

After updating, we’re not seeing this information live. It will presumably appear in Settings > Connected devices > Pixelsnap Charger. At the moment, you just have “Forget this device” and “Do Not Disturb while docked” like before.

Additional strings today mention a Google Support article about Pixelsnap firmware. This loads the existing “Learn about Pixelsnap accessories” page that has yet to be updated to include information about the firmware.

• <string name=”learn_more_firmware_text”>Learn more about Pixelsnap firmware</string>
• <string name=”learn_more_firmware_version_url_link”>https://support.google.com/pixelphone?p=pixelsnap_firmware_update</string>

Apple also has the ability to update its MagSafe Chargers in a process that happens in the background. Users have no control over it, but Apple does show the firmware version.

It’s not clear if Google has been releasing Pixelsnap firmware updates since the August launch and is only now surfacing the ability for users to check, or whether this upcoming update will be the first. 

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, from which some APK Insight teardowns benefit.