Android will introduce a screen saver mode for phones with Qi2

Apple’s iPhones have a feature called StandBy mode. Users can enable this feature by charging their phone, whether wired or wirelessly, and placing their iPhone in a horizontal position. This gives users an alternative to the lockscreen. Now, it looks like Google is bringing a similar-ish feature in the form of a screen saver to Android phones with Qi2.

Android phones with Qi2 to get the screensaver feature

This is according to a report from Mishaal Rahman over at Android Authority. This feature was discovered in the latest Android Canary program (which replaces the Developer Preview program). According to Rahman, there is a new option under Settings > Display & touch > Screen saver.

Based on the description (see screenshots below), it lets users enable a screensaver when their Android phone is being charged. Users have the option of enabling it while charging, or while upright and charging, suggesting that this screensaver feature could somehow be tied to docks that use the Qi2 wireless charging protocol. There’s also a toggle that lets users restrict this feature to wireless charging only.

Diving further into the new features, Rahman also found options like a “low light mode”. This lets users choose whether the screen turns off completely or displays a dim clock.

Google’s upcoming Qi2 accessories

This feature isn’t exactly like Apple’s StandBy mode for iPhones. However, it does bear some similarities. It also seems to tie in nicely with the rumors that Google is planning on introducing new Qi2 accessories alongside its upcoming Pixel 10 smartphones.

According to our exclusive report, the Pixel 10 is rumored to gain support for Qi2. Google is also reportedly working on Qi2 accessories for the phone, which last we heard could be called “Pixelsnap”.

The Pixel 9 series famously did not support Qi2. Google stated back then that this was due to Qi being more widely available. However, take note that while the Pixel 10 could support Qi2, it won’t come with built-in magnets. Instead, users will have to rely on cases with magnets if they want the Qi2 experience.

This is compared to Apple’s iPhones, all of which come with built-in magnets that allow them to be used with MagSafe and Qi2 accessories without requiring a case.