A brand new Google Pixel Tablet is coming, nevertheless it’s not what you assume
It’s been virtually a 12 months for the reason that Google Pixel Tablet went up for preorder, main many Android pill followers to marvel when the inevitable Pixel Tablet 2 will arrive. A brand new rumor means that Google might launch a brand new Pixel Tablet as early as subsequent month, nevertheless it’s in all probability not what you had been anticipating or hoping for.
According to @MysteryLupin on X (previously Twitter), Google is planning to “relaunch” the Pixel Tablet with out the charging/speaker dock included within the field. As you’ll doubtless recall, the speaker dock is the Pixel Tablet’s standout characteristic. You can use the Pixel Tablet by itself as a standard Android pill if you need, and if you’re accomplished, you throw it on the dock to remodel it into a sensible show. The thought of Google promoting the Pixel Tablet with out its declare to fame is an attention-grabbing one.
The present iteration of the Pixel Tablet (with the speaker dock included) retails for $499, with extra docks obtainable for $129 a pop. A Pixel Tablet sans dock would presumably be less expensive, doubtlessly retailing for round $370 or $350.
Is this actually what the Pixel Tablet wants?
On the one hand, I get this technique. Chances are Google has a variety of extra Pixel Tablets it must do away with, and with this transfer, the corporate might repackage the pill, put it on the market as one thing new, and promote it at a lower cost. Win, win, win — proper?
While it would make sense from a enterprise perspective, I don’t see the enchantment for you and me. Let’s say the Pixel Tablet relaunches for $350 with out the dock. While deal cheaper than the present $499 Pixel Tablet, that’s nonetheless dearer than the Ninth-generation iPad (which retails for $329) and significantly greater than the superb Amazon Fire Max 11 (which is offered for $230).
And it’s not only a value factor. Unfortunately for Google, the Pixel Tablet is remarkably unremarkable as a standalone Android pill. The display doesn’t get very vibrant, its Tensor G2 chipset is underpowered and heats up simply, and its battery life is mediocre. Sure, you’d nonetheless have the choice of turning it into a sensible show with the non-obligatory $129 speaker dock, however at that time, why not simply purchase a Nest Hub for $99?
Putting a less expensive Pixel Tablet on digital and bodily retailer cabinets has a sure enchantment, nevertheless it does nothing to unravel the Pixel Tablet’s issues. It’s nonetheless a generic Android pill, Google Assistant remains just as unreliable of a digital assistant as ever earlier than, and even with a $100 or extra low cost, the Pixel Tablet would nonetheless be overpriced for what it’s.
The leaker additionally notes that Google is planning to launch a “Pen and Bluetooth Keyboard” concurrently the dock-less Pixel Tablet relaunch, with each equipment reportedly retailing for 100 euros every. That’s doubtlessly attention-grabbing, however for context, Amazon’s Productivity Bundle for the Fire Max 11 — which features a keyboard case and a stylus — retails for about $350 mixed. If Google’s new purpose right here is to ship a compelling Android pill worth, it’s nonetheless lacking the boat.
It’s unclear when this “new” Pixel Tablet is coming, nevertheless it’s secure to say we’ll hear one thing at Google I/O next month. In different phrases, we shouldn’t have for much longer to attend to see what does (or doesn’t) occur right here. At least from the place I’m standing, I’m unsure the place that is imagined to go.
