The Pixel Watch 4 might have a new side charging cradle: Here’s why I’m not a fan

After early leaks of the Pixel Watch 4 showed a clean back with no charging pins, many of us speculated that maybe, just maybe, Google had finally figured out how to bring fast wireless charging to its smartwatch line without overheating. Well, according to new, more detailed renders shared by Android Headlines, it’s time to pump the brakes on that excitement. Instead of going wireless, Google is reportedly introducing a third unique charging system in just four years, and it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.

The new renders show the Pixel Watch 4 moving away from the magnetic pogo pins used on the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. In their place, it seems Google is opting for a small, cradle-like charger that holds the watch on its side. While this does eliminate the sometimes-fussy process of perfectly aligning the pins – a welcome, if minor, improvement – it means that if you are upgrading from the Pixel Watch 2 or 3, you can use your old chargers.

For anyone who has upgraded their Pixel Watch over the years, this means you’ll likely have yet another obsolete, proprietary charger and potentially some useless third-party accessories collecting dust in a drawer.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of seeing Google adopt another proprietary charging approach, especially when it’s not a true universal standard. I just wish we had a universal charging solution for smartwatches, just like we now have with USB-C for our phones.

Now, there are a few potential benefits that might explain this shift. The side-charging orientation seems tailor-made for a bedside clock feature, similar to Apple’s Standby mode on the iPhone. This is a feature Google has reportedly been working on for Android, and it would effectively turn the Pixel Watch 4 into a great, glanceable secondary display while it charges overnight.

Android Headlines also notes that moving the charging contacts to the side could make the watch easier to repair by giving service technicians unobstructed access to the rear panel. And, for what it’s worth, Google will reportedly include the new charger in the box.

Of course, these are still just renders, and the final design could change before the expected official announcement on August 20th. But if this is the direction Google is heading, it’s a frustrating move for long-time users and the ecosystem as a whole. While the potential for a great bedside mode is nice, the cost in e-waste and user convenience feels steep. Let’s hope Google has thought this through!