Google’s Pixel AOD Could Now Save Battery Automatically, Here’s How
Google tests a new Pixel feature that may auto-disable Always-on Display to save battery. Learn how it could change Pixel device usage.
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It has been said that Google is developing a function that may assist Pixel users in controlling power consumption that is associated with the Always-on Display (AOD). Initially, AOD was introduced on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL in 2017, allowing smartphones to display essential information like time, date, and battery status even when the device is locked.
Apart from convenience, AOD has always attracted criticism for hastening battery drain. Some Android devices come with the option to schedule AOD to be on or off during certain hours, thus saving battery. However, this feature was not available for Pixel phones until now.
Recently, a leak in an Android Canary build—the first public testing stage for forthcoming Android features—has revealed a possible new control for AOD. As per Android Authority, the build has code snippets showing that the display may switch off automatically when no interaction is detected from the user. This way, the device could save battery without requiring any action from the user.
Currently, the AOD can be turned off by Pixel users through the Settings > Display & Touch route by simply switching the feature off. If the proposed update is in place, it will allow the system to handle this automatically according to the user's interaction—or non-interaction. Google has not disclosed the specific conditions under which inactivity will be detected; however, the feature could be similar to Samsung’s “Auto AOD” that turns the display off when the phone is in a pocket or during inactivity.
The coming update might also follow the Google pattern of making features available first to new devices and later to old ones, possibly allowing even the Pixel 6 Pro to benefit. Users who want to conserve battery might soon be able to keep AOD on all the time without worrying about its negative impact on their devices.
In addition, it has been reported that Google is to change the Pixel flashlight slider, indicating the continuous improvement of device controls.
