TechnologyPixel 4 gets Google 'Face ID' and gesture controls: Other rumors, leaks, design, specs, price and more

Google released the sixth and final beta update for Android Q on Aug. 7, which means the official release of the OS is just a "few weeks away," according to the company's developers blog. Now more than ever, we have a better understanding of Google's next flagship phones, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, and what its mobile operating system will be capable of. This is especially true after Google unexpectedly "leaked" an official image of the Pixel 4 in June, and then later threw another curveball by releasing a video on YouTube about the phone's face unlock and motion-sensing capabilities.

© Provided by CBS Interactive Inc. Last year's Pixel 3 and 3 XL. Sarah Tew/CNET

While we can only speculate as to why Google is being so open about the Pixel 4, we do know the success of the Pixel 4 would be crucial for Google. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL aren't selling very well despite their exceptional cameras and critical acclaim. This could be because the phones are exclusive to Verizon (though they work on other US carriers), plus the fact that people in general aren't buying phones as much as they used to. The phones are also expensive, which Google hoped to address by launching the midrange Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL in May. There have been reported issues with the Pixel 3's performance too (but we at CNET haven't experienced them personally), and the company just settled a class-action lawsuit that will pay out $500 each to owners of the first Pixel phone.

Google Pixel 4 rumors: 'Face ID' and gesture controls: Leaks, design, specs, price and more

Google's next flagship is definitely on its way. Keep tabs on the other rumors about the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

© Google

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Google spills the beans on the Pixel 4

Google would need to solve all these issues with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL if it wants to increase sales. Though they are months away from their release, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL will serve as Google's ultimate take on its mobile OS, which is also the most popular OS in the world, and the phones must stand out, not only from the Apple iPhone but other Android rivals like those from Samsung .

In the meantime, read on to see what has been speculated so far and check back as we update this piece with interesting rumors as they arise.

Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL look familiar, but are more affordable

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At Google I/O this year, the tech giant announced a pair of new phones: the Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL. Though they share the names as the company's current flagships, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, the Pixel 3A and 3A XL are cheaper, with fewer top hardware features.Read CNET's reviews of the Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL here.

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The Pixel 3A has a 5.6-inch, 1080p display and comes in a new color Google calls Purple-ish.

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Designed to look similar, both the Pixel 3A (left) and Pixel 3 have a lightweight, unibody design, a matte finish with a glossy shade on the back and a rear fingerprint reader.

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But there are some differences. The Pixel 3A is bigger and made out of polycarbonate instead of glass like the Pixel 3.

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The Pixel 3A also has a yellow-green power button instead of the Pixel 3's orange button. Its bottom bezel is thicker and the display is a tad larger.

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Unlike the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3A doesn't have wireless charging, it's not water-resistant, it doesn't have a second wide-angle front-facing camera and it doesn't come bundled with PixelBuds earbuds.

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What it does have is a headphone jack and you can get it from more carriers. In the US, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular will sell the phones. The phone works on AT&T's network too if you buy it unlocked, but you can't get it directly from the network.

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On the front is an 8-megapixel camera and on the back is a 12.2-megapixel shooter. Again, the rear camera is the same as the one on the Pixel 3 phones.

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The phone runs Android 9.0 and features Google Assistant, which you can launch by squeezing the phone's sides. Click through for more photos of the Pixel 3A.

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The Pixel 3A XL is the bigger counterpart of the Pixel 3A. It features a 6-inch display and a slightly larger battery.

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Unlike the Pixel 3 XL (left), the Pixel 3A XL doesn't have an onscreen notch.

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The Pixel 3A XL has a less powerful Snapdragon 670 processor too. The Pixel 3 phones have a Snapdragon 845 chipset.

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Another look at the Pixel 3 XL (left) and Pixel 3A XL.

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Click through more pictures of the Pixel 3A XL.

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New to the Pixel 3A XL (left) and Pixel 3A cameras is the ability to shoot time-lapse video. You can set your frames to record at certain time intervals and you'll see exactly how long your video will be in real time.

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Though the Pixel 3A and 3A XL don't have as much high-end hardware as the original Pixel 3, Google still managed to make a solid, budget-minded phone. Compared with the more affordable flagship options of competitors like the iPhone XR and the Galaxy S10E, the Pixel 3A doesn't have features like water resistance or wireless charging. But if you want the latest software from Google and you want to take fantastic photos -- all at a few hundreds of dollars less than the other phones -- the Pixel 3A is worth considering.Read CNET's reviews of the Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL here.

Confirmed: The Pixel 4 exists, has square camera setup

As mentioned above, the Pixel 4 is a real phone -- none other than Google announced that it's coming. Not only did the company confirm the name, but it included an image, which depicts multiple rear cameras encased in a square housing.

Google Pixel 4 rumors: 'Face ID', gesture controls, leaks, design, specs, price and more

Google's next flagship is definitely on its way. Keep tabs on the other rumors about the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

There was another, less official instance when Google confirmed the existence of the phone in April, when a Google employee commented on Google's Android Open Source Project. Buried in a thread about Google's memory error detection tool, and spotted first by 9to5Google, the employee refers to the Pixel 4 twice:

© Provided by CBS Interactive Inc. A Google employee confirms the company is developing the Pixel 4. Screenshot by Lynn La/CNET

In the comment, the poster writes, "The plan was to first deploy this on Pixel 3 and make sure that everything actually works. Then move on to Pixel 4 and so on. If I had a Pixel 4 device..." Though the thread doesn't go on to reveal anything else about the phone, at least we learned that it's called the Pixel 4 and that it's on its way.

Confirmed: It will have face unlock and motion sensors

Face unlock and motion sensors were rumored back in June and confirmed by Google on Monday. The company released a video and blog post showing that the Pixel 4 will have a Soli radar chip. This will allow the Pixel 4 to have face unlock, which is similar to Apple's Face ID, and the feature will be secure enough to verify digital payments. The chip can also sense motion, and lets you "skip songs, snooze alarms and silence phone calls" by waving your hand in front of the phone. The technology was developed internally by Google's Advanced Technology and Projects team.

Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL rumors: 'Face ID', gesture controls, specs, leaks, price and more

Google's next flagship is definitely on its way. Keep tabs on the other rumors about the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.

The feature is not unlike the LG G8 ThinQ and offers a glimpse into a touchless phone future. The FCC first granted Google approval to use Project Soli sensors in December 2018 for aircraft.

Likely: Pixel 4 has one front-facing camera

Back in June, supposedly a Pixel 4 was spotted in the wild by a tipster for 9to5Google showing that the phone had two front cameras (like the current Pixel 3) and a large "forehead." But Google's sketch of the Pixel 4, which was used to show where the Soli radar chip was located on the phone's front-facing array, also showed that the phone had a single front-facing camera.

We're unsure why Google would drop the second wide-angle camera from the phone, as it was useful on the Pixel 3 for taking wide selfie shots. Seeing how Google can render portrait photos with just one lens, perhaps the Pixel 4 will be capable of taking standard and wide-angle shots using just software. Google declined a request for comment.

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© Provided by CBS Interactive Inc. Only one front camera is seen in Google's image of the Pixel 4. Google

Likely: We'll see it in October

This isn't based on any specific rumor, but since the first Pixel launch in 2016, Google has released its flagship in October. The pattern usually goes like this: Google holds its I/O developer conference in May to go over the latest Android OS and software updates. Then in October, it has another presser that highlights Google's hardware developments and it introduces a new flagship running the Android version previewed in May. There have been curveballs -- for instance, this year Google unveiled the Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL in May. But that still puts us on track to see the Pixel 4 (and maybe Google's smart home endeavors) in October.

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Google I/O recap, AR for your feet

Likely: Pixel 4 will run Android Q

Like with past Pixel phones, the Pixel 4 line will be one of the first -- if not the first -- phones to run Android's latest OS. Because Google OS names are alphabetical, the upcoming update is temporarily known as Android Q before its official name launches. Although it's not out yet, Android Q will reportedly have a systemwide dark mode, new permissions features, improved facial recognition and enhanced security.

Pixel 4 and 4 XL rumors and specs: Launching Oct. 15 with Face ID-type gesture controls and orange color

Google's next flagship is definitely on its way. Keep tabs on the other rumors about the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.But last year's Pixel 3 and 3XL didn't sell as well, despite their exceptional cameras and critical acclaim. This could be because the phones are exclusive to Verizon (though they work on other US carriers), plus the fact that people in general aren't buying phones as much as they used to. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL phones are also expensive, unlike the Pixel 3A phones.

Rumor: Pixel 4 may have a 90Hz display

© Provided by CBS Interactive Inc. Could the Pixel 4 have a 90Hz display like the OnePlus 7 Pro? Juan Garzon / CNET

Perhaps joining the ranks of the OnePlus 7 and the Razer Phone 2, the Pixel 4 may be equipped with a 90Hz display according to 9to5Google. That means that while most phones have a refresh rate of 60 frames per second (put in another way, in one second the display refreshes 60 times), the Pixel 4 would refresh at 90 fps.

From our time reviewing phones with 90Hz displays, we can attest that things like scrolling through webpages and apps do feel more fluid, and it'd be an exciting feature to have on the Pixel 4.

Rumor: Pixel 4 XL could also have two back cameras

While previous Pixel XLs launched with just a single camera on the back, leaked photos posted on (once again) SlashLeaks indicate that the Pixel 4 XL may have two rear cameras. Google has typically relied on its camera software to do things like taking portrait photos that other phones require multiple rear cameras to accomplish, so it's interesting that Google may possibly add another. The same leaked photos also show the phone with the aforementioned hole-punch display.

Rumor: Pixel 4 might have improved dual-SIM capabilities

The Pixel 4 may have a feature that would allow a user to switch between two functioning phone lines . This is an update from the previous Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 (and their larger counterparts the Pixel 2 XL and 3 XL). Those phones have a standard SIM card slot and an eSIM. While you could have two numbers provisioned for the device, you could only talk, text or use data on one line, while the other remained inactive. In other words, only one SIM could be activated at a time.

Pixel 4 and 4 XL rumors and specs: Launching Oct. 15 with Face ID-type gesture controls and orange color

Google's next flagship is definitely on its way. Keep tabs on the other rumors about the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.But last year's Pixel 3 and 3XL didn't sell as well, despite their exceptional cameras and critical acclaim. This could be because the phones are exclusive to Verizon (though they work on other US carriers), plus the fact that people in general aren't buying phones as much as they used to. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL phones are also expensive, unlike the Pixel 3A phones.

But the Pixel 4 would be able to have two active SIMs. If either is being used to make a call or text, however, the other line won't be able to take calls or text for the time being. This is similar to how the new iPhones and other Android phones operate.

15 Pixel 3 features you should use right now

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Google's Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL come with Android 9.0 Pie and have a few custom tweaks from Google that make up the Pixel experience. Here are some easy tips and tricks that will assist you in getting the most out of your new phone.

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Out of the box, you can double-press the power button to launch the camera app at any time. It doesn't matter if the phone is locked or streaming a YouTube video, the camera will open.

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Whenever you get a call and you don't know the number or can't answer, tap on the Screen Call button. Google will answer the call on your behalf, and let the caller know you're using a screening service and ask the caller to identify him or herself. You can then use prompts to ask more questions or label the caller as spam.

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Part of owning a Google Pixel phone is that you get free, unlimited original quality backup of your photos and videos using the Google Photos app. In order to begin the backup process, open the Photos app and enable backup. It'll be the first prompt you see.

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New to the Pixel 3 this year is a shortcut that allows you to switch from the rear camera to the front camera without having to fiddle with any onscreen buttons. The feature, called Flip camera, will switch between the two cameras with a quick double-turn of your wrist when the camera app is open. Enable the feature in Settings > System> Gestures > Flip Camera.

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Along the top of your home screen, you'll see the date and weather. In addition to those two items, this section of your screen provides At A Glance information such as calendar events upcoming flight details, and traffic information. Long-press on the date to open the preferences and enable or disable any of the available options.

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Google's Wallpaper app is preinstalled on the Pixel 3, and brings with it some cool features. For example, when selecting your new wallpaper, you can select the option to let Google change your wallpaper every 24 hours.Long-press on a blank area of the home screen and then select Wallpapers to customize the look of your home and lock screens.

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One quick way to keep your phone quiet is to enable Flip to Shhh. Once enabled, any time you place your phone face down on a desk or table, Do Not Disturb mode will turn on and keep your phone quiet. The setting for Flip to Shhh is in Settings > Digital Wellbeing.

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Digital Wellbeing is preinstalled on the Pixel 3, despite still being in beta. The feature is found in the Settings app and helps you track the amount of time you spend on your phone.Make sure to tap through the various options and settings within Digital Wellbeing to set time limits for apps, or enable Wind Down -- which turns your display black and white and prevents notifications from showing up until the following day.

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You can still use more than one app at a time on the Pixel 3. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open multitasking view, then tap on the app icon at the top of the app's card. Select Split Screen followed by the second app you want to use.

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The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL now rely solely on gesture navigation. That means you will need to learn how to get around your Android device without much help from the navigation buttons that have been present for years. Here's a quick cheat sheet:A short swipe up from the bottom reveals app shortcuts and the multitasking view.A longer swipe up opens the app drawer.A quick swipe to the right on the home button (looks like a pill) switches to the previous app.Drag the home button to the left to move between previously open apps

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You will eventually notice that each time you swipe up to open multitasking view, the app icons just below your open apps are always changing. That's because Android Pie 9.0 is constantly learning and suggesting apps it thinks you will want to open based on your usage habits and the time of day.In the App Drawer you will see similar shortcuts, some of which go further than opening an app. For example, if you send a lot of messages to a contact in Facebook, a shortcut to that message thread will show up.

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If you prefer to have rotation lock enabled, you can still selectively rotate the contents of your display to landscape mode with the tap of a button. Each time you rotate your phone, a rotation toggle will show up next to the home button. Tap on the button to rotate the display, and then once again when you're ready to go back to portrait mode.

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When streaming music or watching a video, the volume keys will now default to controlling the playback volume, instead of the system's volume (for notifications). If you're currently casting to another device, volume control for that device will also show up in the new controls.

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Android Pie 9.0 now comes with a dark mode for the interface. The feature can be enabled all the time, or you can set it so that your wallpaper determines the color of the shortcut and notification shade. Open Settings > Display > Device theme to select your preference.

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The Pixel 3 lineup now supports wireless charging of speeds up to 10W. That means you can quickly charge your device on Qi-enabled wireless charging pads, which includes Google's own Pixel Stand that adds a few tricks of its own.

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Get the the most out of your new Pixel 3 with these tips.

Originally published March 8, 2019.

Update, May 26: Adds info about Pixel class-action lawsuit.

Update, June 6: Adds Google employee confirmation and Skinomi renders.

Update, June 12: Adds Google first look info.

Update, June 26: Adds additional rumors, including Project Soli.

Update, July 30: Adds Soli radar chip and single front-facing camera confirmation.

Update, Aug. 11: Adds 90Hz display rumor.