Pixel 5 to lose Google's motion sense feature, report says

Google is not planning to retain Motion Sense, 9to5Google reports.

Motion Sense debuted alongside the Pixel 4, but it appears the feature hasn't gained enough traction to return in 2020. In an episode of Alphabet Scoop, 9to5Google revealed that sources are indicating the Soli radar chip will likely get left out from the Pixel 5. Should that happen, the Pixel 5 will not offer hands-free capabilities to control its user interface. Google designed the Soli radar chip to analyze nearby people and objects, understanding where a user is and how they're moving.

Face Unlock relies on the Soli radar chip as well. Google shouldn't find it difficult to implement facial recognition through a different method, though.

Additionally, the Soli radar chip ran into regulatory hurdles. Google couldn't use the component in several countries, disabling Motion Sense despite its status as a key feature. So it doesn't seem all that surprising to hear Google might abandon Motion Sense altogether.

The Pixel 5 will reportedly arrive this fall, but this flagship might take advantage of a mid-tier chipset rather than Qualcomm's latest and greatest. Rumors suggest it'll sport the Snapdragon 765G, which supports 5G and other capabilities often limited to high-end smartphones that cost $1,000 or more. Google could charge less for the Pixel 5 due to this decision, and consumers wouldn't mind that. It'd also spark renewed interest in Pixel phones as recent sales appear lackluster.