Google unveils 2nd-gen Pixel Stand with active cooling, 23W charging

The new Pixel Stand isn't the fastest but might be the smartest.

What you need to know

• Google announced its second-gen Pixel Stand with faster wireless charging.
• The new Pixel Stand features 23W wireless charging capable of charging smartphones and Qi-enabled wearables.
• An active fan will keep devices from heating up while charging.
• The new Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) retails for $80, the same as the original stand.

Google is introducing a new wireless charger for its Pixel lineup, the Pixel Stand (2nd Gen). The new wireless charging stand is optimized for the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and other Google hardware.

Compared to the first-gen Pixel Stand, the second-gen model ups the ante with 23W of wireless charging, more than double the 10W provided by the original. This is better than many of the best wireless charging pads, although it can't match the 30W+ wireless charging support found on phones like the OnePlus 9 Pro. Still, it should prove adequate, especially when even most of Samsung's flagship smartphones charge at 25W via USB-C.

The faster speeds will be found on the main charging coil, which will also charge any non-Pixel smartphones 15W. The stand will also charge wearables like the Pixel Buds (2020) with the bottom coil at just 3W.

The Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) features an active cooling fan that will keep the device cool while in use, so you won't have to worry about it heating up while watching videos.

Just like the first Pixel Stand, the new model supports the docked Pixel experience to turn the device into a smart display. That includes features like Google Assistant Visual Spotlight, Photo Frame, and easy-to-access home controls.

Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) retails for $80, which is much more than you'll find many other wireless chargers priced at, but if you're a Pixel owner, the additional features may be worth the splurge. The device isn't yet available for purchase, but Google says it's "coming soon" and will have more updates on the wireless charger at a later date.