Google has rolled out its December Pixel Feature Drop, bringing a host of new capabilities to compatible Pixel devices. Among the updates, the introduction of bypass charging stands out, a feature that allows certain Pixel smartphones to operate directly on wall power, bypassing the battery. This innovation is aimed at enhancing battery longevity and marks another step forward in Pixel’s hardware optimization.
Bypass Charging: A Game-Changing Feature for Battery Health
With the latest feature drop, Google has added a Charging Optimisation option for Pixel smartphones. Users can now set their devices to limit charging to 80%, and the feature ensures that after reaching this limit, the phone bypasses the battery, running entirely on power supplied by the wall outlet.
How It Works
•When bypass charging is enabled, the battery status changes to “not charging” once the limit is reached.
•The device avoids trickle charging, a process that can degrade battery health over time.
•If bypass charging is turned off, the device resumes regular charging and displays the status as “charging.”
This feature is especially beneficial during power-intensive activities like gaming or video editing, as it helps reduce heat buildup and wear on the battery. 3DMark benchmark tests conducted with bypass charging confirmed that the battery percentage remained unchanged, even during high-performance tasks.
Compatibility
The bypass charging feature is currently available on:
•Pixel 9 series
•Pixel 8 series
This aligns Pixel devices with similar features already available on Samsung Galaxy and Asus ROG smartphones, offering Pixel users a new way to maintain their battery’s longevity.
Additional Features in the December Feature Drop
Enhanced AI Capabilities with Gemini
The December update introduces advancements in Gemini, Google’s AI-powered large language model (LLM). New features include:
•Personalised AI responses tailored to user habits.
•Smarter replies integrated into the Call Screen feature, helping users manage calls more effectively.
•Access to more apps and services, enhancing the device’s versatility.
Improvements to Pixel Apps
•Pixel Screenshots App: New tools to annotate, edit, and share screenshots more efficiently.
•Pixel Studio: Added functionalities for creative tasks like video editing.
•Gboard Enhancements: Improved predictive typing and custom emoji combinations.
System Improvements
System-wide optimizations have been implemented to enhance overall performance, stability, and security.
Why Bypass Charging Matters
The bypass charging feature is not just a technical enhancement but a user-centric addition aimed at addressing common concerns about battery degradation. By allowing the device to operate on AC power when plugged in, Google ensures:
•Reduced heat stress on the battery during prolonged usage.
•Minimized charge cycles, extending battery lifespan.
•A better experience for gamers and heavy users who often keep their phones plugged in for extended periods.