Google patent could mean that future Pixel phones will sport a rear touchpad

Google has received a patent for a feature that could allow future Pixel models to sport a touch sensitive surface on the rear cover of the phone. Or, Google could license the patent to phone manufacturers. Google writes in its filing, "It would be advantageous to have an improved touch sensitive surface that offers additional modes of operation." This rear touchpad could handle many different tasks depending on the app or operation that the user currently has open.

For example, if a music app is open, the rear touchpad would control music volume. If the browser was in use, the rear touchpad ...