Google really wants people to know it’s working on a new tablet. After first revealing it was working on a tablet at its I/O developer conference in May, at its Pixel event on Thursday, the company dropped some hints about the upcoming device again.
Unlike the metal Pixel 7 phone, the tablet will be built with a “nano-ceramic” coating “inspired” by porcelain. The body of the tablet is made from “100% recycled aluminum”.
We still don’t know much about the tablet, although Google says it will be a “premium version” that will arrive in 2023. It will run on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, similar to the one that powers the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
The device will have a charging speaker base that attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet, turning the Pixel tablet into a detachable Nest Hub. Once docked, the tablet can display photos or control your smart home using widgets or the Google Assistant.
While it has teased some extra features, Google hasn’t revealed pricing or a release date. However, the company did reiterate that the tablet will go on sale next year.
Is it more of a smart display than a laptop?
Google’s preview makes the tablet look more like a photo frame, smart home hub and video calling device than some sort of laptop replacement. The keyboard accessory isn’t shown: instead, the magnetic charging dock appears to be a key way to keep the tablet at home. (The Pixel tablet won’t arrive until 2023, so there may be more to come.)
Performance: As good as the Pixel 7, what else?
Google’s proposed tablet use sounds powerful (it has the new Tensor G2 chip) and sounds similar to its Pixel phones. But Google’s emphasis on app compatibility with split-screen mode and stylus support may be part of the reason the tablet took longer to roll out. The wallpapers and design themes look consistent with the Pixel, suggesting that Android on its tablet will feel very similar this time around.
How much will it cost?
The price is unknown, which is a big deal. If Google tried to make it a casual home tablet, would it price it accordingly? (The Nest Hub Max, for example, sells for $229.) Or, if its goal is to be a more versatile device, are other accessories worth putting it in the premium zone? It’s hard to say, and we probably won’t know more about this until next year. But if you’ve been dying for a new Android tablet, you might want to wait for it.
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