Yesterday, through an APK teardown, we discovered that Google is working on using dual SIMs to speed up network switching on Google Fi. Turns out we let the cat out of the bag a little early. Less than 24 hours later, Google has made that functionality official. The feature is called "Dual Connect" and it's available first on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

The feature works just like we expected. Using Dual Sim Dual Standby (DSDS), Fi uses a physical SIM card and eSIM to connect to two networks at once. Only one network is used at a time, but Dual Connect makes the switch between networks much faster and more seamless. You could be watching a video and the network can switch without causing the video to buffer or stop. Both networks are constantly ready for action.

Dual Connect will be available for Pixel 4 devices purchased through Google Fi or the Google Store in the coming weeks. Google says they will expand this feature to more Designed by Fi devices in the future, so any device that can currently use Google Fi's network switching feature can eventually get Dual Connect. If you've only used Fi with an eSIM, you will need to get a physical SIM card from Google as well.

Network switching remains one of the unique aspects of Google Fi. The only problem is it can sometimes hang on a poor connection for too long before switching. This is why apps like FiSwitch have been created. Dual Connect should make the network switching experience much better.