Google is returning to the tablet market, as it has unveiled the brand new Pixel Tablet, a $499 device specifically designed for home entertainment. The Pixel Tablet is available for pre-order from May 10 and it will be released on June 20.
The new Pixel Tablet deviates quite a bit from Google’s previous efforts in this category, focusing on what people usually use tablets for: watching videos and mobile gaming in the comfort of their homes.
The Pixel Tablet features an 11-inch LCD screen, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, with uniform bezels and a matte back. It will be sold in three colors: white, dark green, and light pink.
Its design includes an aluminum frame and is reminiscent of the Pixel 5 smartphone. One of Google’s most interesting decisions is that along with the tablet, a magnetic stand-speaker will be provided, which serves multiple purposes, including charging, of course.
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Google Pixel Tablet: What can it do while on the base?
When placed on the base, the Pixel Tablet will resemble the Nest Hub Max, a smart display released by Google in 2019. However, the Pixel Tablet is an Android device and not a smart display, as it runs completely different software and offers different capabilities. So, what can it do while on the base? It can display a slideshow of images from Google Photos as a digital frame, work as a control panel for smart home devices, and take voice commands for queries to Google Assistant.
The Pixel Tablet is equipped with the Tensor G2 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Storage options are either 128 or 256 GB. The battery provides up to 12 hours of video playback and there is, of course, a USB-C port for wired charging. It’s worth noting that the device is intended for Wi-Fi use only, with no available 5G or LTE options.
Four speakers and three microphones
Continuing with the hardware, the Pixel Tablet has four speakers and three microphones for video calls. It also has two 8-megapixel cameras: one on the back and one on the front, and there is a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for biometric identity checks. Google has not made its own keyboard or stylus for the tablet, but it will be compatible with Bluetooth keyboards and USI 2.0 styluses.
Convenience and entertainment
The software of the Pixel Tablet is tailored for home use, emphasizing convenience and entertainment. It runs on Android 13 and will be upgraded to Android 14 later this year, with a promise for five years of upgrades. More than 50 Google apps have been optimized for its larger screen, but the device won’t have special productivity features, like those offered by competitors like Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus. Instead, the Pixel Tablet aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable home entertainment experience, catering to the majority of users.