Pixel 4 is First to Use Google Fi Dual Connect Technology
- Paul Thurrott
- Oct 22, 2019
-
10
Google revealed today that its Pixel 4 handset family is the first that can take advantage of Google Fi’s dual connect technology.
“Fi’s new dual connect technology, available first on Pixel 4, gives you even better coverage by connecting you to two LTE networks at once,” Google’s Dan Chak says. “This means that if you’re watching a video and Fi switches you to a better network, you won’t experience any delays or pauses—you won’t even notice.”
Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox
Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday — and get free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99) as a special welcome gift!
"*" indicates required fields
To date, one of the key advantages of Google Fi, at least on Designed for Fi devices, is that it can seamlessly switch between any compatible 4G LTE networks, whether they’re CDMA- or GSM-based. So this new capability obviously improves on that by offering simultaneous dual LTE network connectivity. It requires Dual Sim Dual Standby (DSDS) hardware.
“While one network is used at a time for sending data or making phone calls, dual connect technology improves your connection by keeping both networks ready for use at a moment’s notice, and allows for more frequent network switching,” Chak continues. “To use DSDS to connect to two networks simultaneously, Fi uses a SIM card and the eSIM at the same time.”
Google says that dual connect support will come to Pixel 4 as it becomes available over the next few weeks. It will come to other Designed for Fi devices later as well.
And it looks like I need another Fi SIM card.