Pixel tablet hands-on: google’s family android device, dock included

Google has a new tablet. After a detailed unveiling at Google I/O this week, the Pixel Tablet that was first teased in January will finally arrive in June. The price isn’t too bad: $499 (PS599 or AU$899). Preorders are open right now. It looks good. It looks nice. It’s difficult to tell if this is a rebirth for Android tablets, or just another experiment.

After spending some time with one, I felt that it was Google’s most impressive tablet in many years. It’s not clear if it will replace the iPad. It’s clear that the Pixel Tablet is straddling a Nest Hub meets tablet line, which might not be a bad idea at all. The Pixel Tablet is also more affordable than the upcoming Pixel Fold smartphone as a large screen Android device.

Here’s what you need to know:Google Pixel Tablet: Google’s big return to tablets (again) 03:01

Android tablets are still available, even though Google has shifted its focus away from them. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and OnePlus’ affordable tablet, for example, are two examples. It’s usually the software and app support, not the hardware, that is the problem. Google’s renewed attention could be a positive sign.

The Pixel Slate was the last Google tablet that I used. It was a product which tried to combine Chromebook and Tablet. The Slate with keyboard felt more like a Chromebook than a tablet. The Pixel Tablet, however, is a tablet only. Software and the Google Tensor G2 onboard processor are identical to the Google Pixel Phone experience. The only difference is the larger multitasking display. This time around, the keyboard accessory is not available.

Google I/O: More to Come

Google’s AI-powered search engine is a way to keep up with the competition.

When the Pixel Tablet is seated in its magnetically attached dock, it looks like a large smart photo frame, or Google Nest Hub. It’s designed as a home gadget, but it feels like one. The base can be docked when the device is not in use, then removed to do whatever you need on the go.

Google is betting that the majority of home tablets will be shared and used casually. This is not a bad wager, as that’s how the iPads in our home end up being shared. Google’s Android platform makes it easy to have multiple accounts or guest mode. This gives the Pixel Tablet a distinct advantage over the iPad. Google’s AI strategy for Android services could make the Pixel Tablet a great way to experience Google on a device that is more like a tablet than a smartphone.

Speaker dock included

The speaker dock also comes in handy. Google included the dock as part of the $500 Pixel Tablet purchase rather than charging extra for it. In my short demo, the dock boosted sound quality significantly. Movies and music sounded punchy. When the dock is attached, audio automatically switches to dock mode. If not, it plays through the Pixel Tablet. The dock can be used as a Google Cast receiver to play back content from other phones. The dock is not a Bluetooth device, but it does play back audio from the connected Pixel Tablet. To charge, you simply snap in magnetic pins at the back.

Google does not have any other smart accessories. It feels like Google missed the mark by not offering a keyboard or a stylus. Tablets are excellent mini-laptops, particularly as iOS and Android evolve. Google’s keyboard is not unique. You can pair your own Bluetooth keypad, and third party accessories will likely come.

Why is there no keyboard?

Google has its own protective cover that includes a metal kickstand. This also works with magnetic speaker docks when connected. Speck was announced as a partner in the case manufacturing process. There is still no news on the keyboard.

Pixel Tablet also isn’t any closer to being a better Chromebook for kids. Google’s ChromeOS is standard in our public schools. It would be wonderful if the Pixel Tablet could become a small Chromebook instantly. Chrome can be launched as an Android application, but it’s not exactly the same.

Pixels of detail

Google has also paid attention to many other details. Security is handled by a fingerprint-sensor powered button, as well as a Titan M2 chip. The 8-megapixel front-facing camera has been positioned on the edge of the device and features video chat enhancements that are similar to those found in Google’s Pixel smartphones. Magic Eraser, a Pixel-based photo-retouching tool, is compatible with the Tablet. Multitasking shortcuts are easy to use and look great. They allow you to adjust app pane size and drag and drop files between apps. In a few demos, voice dictation worked quickly and perfectly. The LCD display was sharp and vibrant, even for its price. (Equivalent of my eyes to a iPad Air)

Google’s pledging a new wave of optimized-for-larger-screen Android apps, including 50 of Google’s own most-used ones, and a number of third-party partners including Spotify and Disney Plus. Google’s efforts to optimize apps for larger screens will reap a double benefit: these larger apps will appear on both the Pixel Tablet and Google’s Pixel Fold smartphone. The Fold and the Tablet can be compared to two sides of a large-screen coin.

For some, the idea of turning a smartphone into a portable tablet that unfolds has been a fantasy. But, at $1,799. Pixel Tablet is available for $499 and has an 11-inch display. It can also be shared. The affordable option is always the winner for most people. It may also be that Google is working on larger-screen designs now, so that future products will have software that’s ready for them no matter what size or foldability they are.

All of this sounds fantastic, so long as Google remains consistent and committed. Google’s products are notorious for appearing and disappearing in waves of experimentation. Android tablets could be much better and the Pixel Tablet proves that they can. It looks fantastic for a home screen. Google should also evolve for the Chromebook-like keyboards and other uses.

Google I/O is not complete without a look at Android 14 and the Pixel 7A.