Standby for Hub Mode: Google wants to turn your Android phone into a smart display

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Google appears to be developing an Android equivalent to iOS’s Standby Mode, hinted at by a Google Play Services update and code found in Android 16. This new feature will likely leverage an enhanced Hub Mode, which is being optimized for phones and will integrate lock screen widgets in Android 16 QPR1. The rollout of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for Android devices is a key enabler, allowing phones to be easily docked horizontally like smart displays. One of iOS’s standout features is Standby Mode, which transforms an iPhone into a mini smart display. When charging and placed horizontally, iPhones activate Standby Mode, displaying a full-screen clock, photo frame, widgets, or Live Activities. This feature particularly shines when using a MagSafe charger, as it truly gives the iPhone the appearance of a smart display. While Android currently lacks a direct equivalent to iOS’ Standby Mode, there are hints that Google may be developing its own ... Read full article.