Google’s {hardware} division introduced a transfer away from tablets in 2019, saying it was going to pay attention its efforts on laptops as an alternative. The information got here from Rick Osterloh, senior vp of gadgets and providers at Google.
At Google I/O 2022, nonetheless, Google introduced that it was shifting again in the direction of tablets, with the Google Pixel Tablet. This wasn’t a launch announcement, extra of a long-term tease with the pill lastly anticipated to be launched at Google I/O 2023.
This is a run-down of the tablets which have graced Google’s cabinets by the Nexus and Pixel programmes prior to now, in addition to a glance to the longer term.
Google Nexus 7 – 2012
Android tablets existed lengthy earlier than Google directed its Nexus programme at it. The Nexus 7, constructed by Asus, was launched in 2012, trying to present Android pill producers the way it was carried out. Priced low-cost – as was the Nexus method – at $199 or £159 the 7-inch pill had rather a lot to supply for the cash. It was additionally powered by Nvidia Tegra {hardware} and got here with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. On the UK launch there have been loads of holes – no Flash assist meant many streaming providers did not work – and Google hadn’t but absolutely launched all its personal rental providers. Nexus gadgets had been designed to enchantment to builders, offering reasonably priced {hardware} to assist develop the ecosystem of apps. The Nexus 7 gave us hope that Google was going to step-up and compete with the Apple iPad.
Google Nexus 10 – 2012
The Nexus 10 at all times felt just like the non secular successor to the Motorola Xoom, one of many earliest Android tablets, taking Google’s system to 10-inches. The bigger pill was constructed by Samsung, powered by Exynos and in addition launched in 2012. One of many fascinating options was a detachable again panel permitting you to clip in a canopy, which was actually handy. The show was a cracker, with a pixel density of 300ppi, the next decision than the present Apple iPad. However even by Android Jelly Bean made some adjustments to accommodate pill use, the dearth of apps that might actually use the decision – or simply work in panorama – highlighted Android’s largest downside.
Google Nexus 7 – 2013
The replace of the Nexus 7 in 2013 gave Android followers some hope that this was going to develop into a cyclical pattern. It once more got here from Asus and was competitively priced, however moved to a tough plastic construct. Once more it was the show that impressed with a 323ppi decision and we beloved it for streaming Netflix. It was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Professional, however did not supply an enormous change from the 2012 mannequin.
Google Nexus 9 – 2014
The next 12 months, Google clearly determined that it was going to make its massive pill extra compact and the Nexus 9 was born. Constructed with HTC – very a lot on the prime of its sport on the time – the Nexus 9 arrived with Android 5 Lollipop, 64-bit software program, and Nvidia Tegra 64-bit {hardware}. HTC additionally packed its BoomSound audio system into it. Whereas the show decision remained excessive, it moved to a 4:3 side, however there was nonetheless a scarcity of apps to actually reap the benefits of the display measurement and the Nexus 9 was the top of the road – there have been no different Nexus gadgets that adopted it.
Google Pixel C – 2015
The Pixel and Nexus dance was an fascinating chapter in Google historical past. The Chromebook Pixel began issues in 2013, however the Pixel smartphone programme did not begin till 2016. In the midst of that, Google introduced one other pill designed to observe on from the Chromebook Pixel. The Google Pixel C launched in 2015, however Google was now on the helm when it got here to design, somewhat than there being one other design accomplice. The Pixel C was centered on productiveness somewhat than out-and-out leisure, with an accompanying keyboard. Once more it was Nvidia Tegra powered, working Android 6 Marshmellow, however regardless of the premium construct, the software program let it down. Connectivity to the keyboard was patchy and the dearth of splitscreen noticed it much less helpful than rival tablets.
Google Pixel Slate – 2018
Google’s subsequent pill was a extra severe stab at productiveness – the Google Pixel Slate. It switched to Chrome OS, greater than doubled the worth of earlier Google tablets trying to compete with the Floor or iPad Professional. Whereas the design was fairly good, some questioned the Intel {hardware} powering it, and it by no means actually felt like a pill – it felt like a laptop computer. Fortuitously, the keyboard was wonderful and Chrome supplied an incredible browser expertise – however whereas the Floor helps desktop apps and the iPad has many high-profile productiveness apps obtainable, it at all times felt just like the Pixel Slate could not be your sole working system.
Google Pixel Pill – 2023
A shock announcement at Google I/O 2022, and once more detailed on the 2022 October Made by Google occasion, it has been confirmed that the Pixel Tablet will likely be launched in 2023. The Pixel Pill will likely be powered by Google’s Tensor G2 {hardware}, whereas there will likely be an non-obligatory speaker dock, so you’ll be able to dock your pill and use it as a Nest Hub. This pill has been a very long time coming and with Google making a return to tablets, the query will likely be whether or not Google has carried out sufficient to compete with Apple in the case of the apps and expertise that it affords.
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