Google is expected to introduce the new Pixel 4 line of phones later this year. And although it’s still a bit early to start talking leaks, there are already some rumors surrounding Google’s upcoming line of Pixel devices.

According to a new report from 9to5Google, Google is reportedly planning to integrate a chip into the Pixel 4 devices that will allow users to control the device with air gestures. So you will essentially be able to do things like swipe between Instagram Stories with simple air gestures, for example. The feature will apparently be powered by Google’s Project Soli chip that uses radar to be able to different hand gestures.

To further support 9to5Google’s report, the folks at XDA Developers found some code on Android Q that suggest Google is already working on implementing the software side of things for the new gesture chip. Apparently, there’s code on the Android Q betas that refer to an “Aware” sensor which could very well be Soli.

Google was permitted by the FCC to continue developing Soli earlier this year, and it shouldn’t be too surprising to see the sensor make its way to the upcoming Pixel devices. Google has been working on the chip for a few years, and it’s probably developed quite a lot over the last years. Whether the implementation of Soli introduces any actual useful features remains to be seen, though. I have a good feeling it will all just be a gimmick.

Tagged with Pixel 4, Project Soli