Abstract
- Google’s canceled “pipit” prototype of the Pixel Fold has been noticed for the primary time, courtesy of a web-based tech discussion board.
- This prototype used a glass-based rear digital camera bar, much like the Pixel 6, coupled with a barely smaller outer show than the Pixel Fold.
- Google’s head of design for {hardware} merchandise, Ivy Ross stated final yr that an early model of the Pixel Fold was shelved as a result of it wasn’t “adequate,” probably referring to this “pipit” prototype.
Though the Google Pixel Fold was launched simply over a yr in the past, it seems like we have been speaking concerning the foldable for a very long time. It is because Google has been engaged on the Pixel Fold for some time now, and there was even a prototype codenamed “pipit” that surfaced in early 2022, though it was shelved later. We by no means bought the possibility to take a look at this early model of the Pixel Fold that got here so near launch. However because of an XDA discussion board put up, we will lastly see it within the flesh.
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These pictures had been initially posted to the XDA discussion board by consumer fredito1212, though the photographs have since been taken down. Fortunately, Android Authority managed to save lots of them simply in time, giving us a glimpse of what may have been Google’s first foldable. The publication additionally confirmed by means of an nameless supply inside Google that that is certainly the Pixel Fold (pipit) that was talked about in 2022.
The “pipit” prototype vs the Google Pixel Fold
We should word that the majority of those pictures are of comparatively low high quality, however not less than one (pictured above) is in first rate situation to determine among the particulars. This model of the Pixel Fold was anticipated to launch alongside the Pixel 6 collection in 2022, which explains the design similarities with the 2022 Google flagship. Nevertheless, the corporate determined to make additional refinements to the system and push its launch to 2023.
A couple of notable {hardware} variations
Whereas Google opted for a metal-based digital camera island with the ultimate model of the foldable, the prototype has a Pixel 6-esque glass-based digital camera bar that spans the width of the system and wraps across the edges. Android Authority clarifies that the carbon fiber-like sample simply above the prototype’s digital camera island is probably going a pores and skin.
We’re additionally studying that this prototype’s outer show was marginally smaller at 66 x 128mm in comparison with the Pixel Fold’s display screen dimensions of 67 x 130mm. Curiously, Google determined to stay with the identical interior show on the Pixel Fold because the prototype. One other noteworthy attribute that did not make the ultimate lower is stylus help, with Google seemingly testing the waters and finally deciding to not ship it.
On the {hardware} entrance, pipit reportedly featured the first-gen Google Tensor chipset, though the corporate finally went with the Tensor G2 on the ultimate model of the Pixel Fold. In the meantime, the prototype carried the Exynos Modem 5123, which was infamous for inflicting points with the Pixel 6.
The digital camera setup wasn’t of excessive pedigree, both. One of many rear cameras is a 12MP Sony IMX363 unit, which has been round for a very long time, as the positioning notes. There is not any telephoto digital camera onboard both, with the prototype utilizing the Sony IMX386 (12MP) because the ultrawide sensor.
Talking on the Made by Google podcast weeks after the Pixel Fold’s announcement final yr, Ivy Ross, the corporate’s head of design for {hardware} merchandise, stated that an earlier prototype of the foldable was shelved as a result of it was “not adequate but.” Given what we learn about this prototype’s {hardware} immediately, this was undoubtedly the best name.