Active Edge Is Back for Pixel 3 Smartphones

We are exactly one week out from Google’s big event. You’ll be able to stream it on Twitter, which is great for those of us who can’t make it to New York. And while there are all sorts of rumors about the slew of products we can expect to see there, the Pixel 3 is front of mind for most of us. And based on this new video, the Active Edge is making a return.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liSk0fTkIAM]

The above video was posted to the Google Japan YouTube channel and it all but confirms that Active Edge is coming back for the Pixel 3. As you might remember, the squeezable feature got its start as Edge Sense on HTC phones before making its way to last year’s Pixel 2.

The idea is that you could literally squeeze the edges of the phone and gain quick access to Google Assistant. At this point, it’s unclear what, if anything, has changed with Active Sense on the Pixel 3. Maybe we’ll get more options for remapping what it can do. Or maybe a light squeeze can activate something different from a hard squeeze.

The Google Japan video doesn’t reveal the Pixel 3, of course, but it does show a number of objects (including the kid above) getting squeezed. Then it shows the outline of a phone being squeezed, which is presumably the Pixel 3 or the Pixel 3 XL.

And even though there is a conspiracy theory that the Pixel 3 leaks may have been staged, the final specs shouldn’t stray far from the rumor mill. Look for a Snapdragon 845, 4GB of RAM, and wireless charging. The Pixel 3 should have a 5.5-inch screen, whereas the Pixel 3 XL will go with a 6.2-incher. Both phones are expected to get Active Edge.

Google’s Pixel press event is set for October 9th in New York City. In addition to the Pixel 3, we’re also expecting a Chrome OS tablet, Pixel smartwatches, a Google Home smart display, and more.