Future Google Pixel phones may be getting a rear touchpad, allowing users to navigate their phones without relying on the touchscreen. Google has filed a patent for a technology that could introduce a range of interesting gesture-based functionalities.
Hannes Brecher (translated by Zhiwei Zhuang), Published 🇩🇪 🇳🇱 ...
Smartphone Leaks / Rumors Google Pixel
Like most smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 (approx. $629 on Amazon) relies entirely on its touchscreen for control. However, this could change with a future Pixel phone, as Google has patented an innovative smartphone back cover capable of detecting touch inputs.
This technology appears to be a more advanced version of the Sony PlayStation Vita’s touchpad. Instead of a touch surface that responds to every input, the patent outlines a machine learning model capable of generating a model of the user’s hand to differentiate between intentional gestures and the act of merely holding the smartphone.
The patent specifically describes gestures for tasks such as scrubbing through a video, changing screen brightness, and adjusting audio volume, all without relying on the touchscreen. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect unintentional inputs, for example when a user is simply repositioning the smartphone in their hand. Furthermore, it seems users may have the option to designate specific areas of the back covers as gesture-responsive to ensure a more reliable experience.
As is usual with such patents, it remains unclear whether Google will ever release a smartphone with this technology. Nonetheless, this patent indicates that Google’s engineers are internally working on ways to make navigating smartphones more efficient. In any case, the Pixel 10 lineup is unlikely to support this feature yet, given that rumours are suggesting a rather modest upgrade over its predecessor.
Source(s)
WIPO, via Patently Apple
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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 17467 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.
Translator: Zhiwei Zhuang - Translator - 317 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I moved from Singapore toCologne in 2014 and began pursuing a career as a freelance translator. Much of my translation workfocuses on science, engineering and technology. My fascination with computers and mobileelectronics began when I was young. And I have fond memories reading countless tech and gamingmagazines. Working with Notebookcheck gives me the opportunity to incorporate my personalinterests into my professional work.
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Hannes Brecher,2025-04-10(Update:2025-04-12)
