Cases aside, the Pixel Stand is the first accessory that Google has made exclusively for Pixel phones. Last year's Pixel Buds worked with all Android phones, the Daydream View headset works with a number of Samsung, Moto, and LG phones, and even the lower-latency USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is compatible with any phone running Android Pi. The Pixel Stand isn't going to win any design awards. To be clear, the Pixel Stand will work with other Qi-enabled phones. With a standard Android phone, the Pixel Stand is basically an overpriced wireless charger. Set a Pixel 3 on it and it truly comes alive, with fast(er) charging and innovative Assistant integration.

Google debuted the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL with dual front-facing cameras and glass body last week, and while there are notable hardware improvements, it's things like being able to screen calls with your own conversational AI or make reservations with Duplex that make the latest Pixel stand out. Many of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL's best features, whether it's a predictive battery or a camera with Portrait Mode that scans business cards and helps you choose your best pictures, are made better with AI. Pixel 3 phones start shipping Thursday. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are the first in Google's Pixel series to ditch aluminum for glass, which enables support for wireless charging -- also a first. It's a bit deceptive; the bottom portion of the rear cover has a matte coating, giving them the two-tone aesthetic characteristic of their predecessors.

When the Pixel 3 comes out, it might launch with a special kind of wireless charging dock: one that could make buying a smart speaker unnecessary unless you need more than one. The lines show what you'll see on screen when you dock your phone. One of them very clearly states that if you allow your phone to recognize the Pixel Stand as a trusted dock, you'll be able to summon Assistant even if your phone is locked. The AI will also be able to access your personal info to be able to give you personalized recommendations and to answer your questions. Google first dropped hints about the device with Android P Developer Preview 3, which contained references to a dock that can display battery status through the At a Glance widget.