Google’s Pixel Tablet journey hits a roadblock: Pixel Tablet 3 Shelved
Google appears to be stepping back from its ambitious tablet plans, as reports confirm the cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 3. The device, internally known as “Kiyomi,” was in early development before the project was officially scrapped. Here’s an in-depth look at what this means for Google’s tablet strategy and what led to this shift.
A History of Mixed Commitments
Google’s relationship with tablets has been tumultuous. After withdrawing from the tablet market in 2019, the company surprised many by launching the Pixel Tablet in 2023. The device was positioned as a premium yet affordable alternative to market leaders like Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series. Despite its novel speaker dock, the Pixel Tablet struggled to position itself as a standout product, appearing more suited for casual use than professional or creative tasks.
Why the Pixel Tablet 3 Was Canceled
Multiple sources have indicated that Google’s decision was finalized after internal reviews, with resources from the Pixel Tablet 3 redirected to other initiatives. This decision suggests a shift in Google’s priorities, reflecting challenges in competing with well-established brands in the tablet market. The cancellation also raises questions about the future of Google’s hardware innovations, particularly for larger-screen devices.
Pixel Tablet’s Current Standing
The Pixel Tablet’s most notable feature is its inclusion of a charging speaker dock, which transforms it into a makeshift smart home hub. However, the tablet itself lacks the hardware sophistication to compete with devices like the iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S9. While it succeeded in being budget-friendly, it fell short in providing features that power users or professionals demand.
The Implications for Future Tablets
Interestingly, some leaks suggest that Google’s long-term tablet vision isn’t entirely dead. Rumors about a Pixel Tablet 3 concept highlighted potential upgrades, such as a second USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities for connecting external monitors, aimed at creating a more desktop-like experience. If realized in future devices, these features could redefine Google’s role in the tablet space. However, the immediate cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 3 reflects broader uncertainties about whether Google can fully commit to developing competitive hardware in this segment.
What Lies Ahead
While Google’s hardware ambitions appear scaled back, its software team continues enhancing Android for tablets and foldable devices. Efforts like improved desktop modes and multi-window interfaces for Android are still underway, suggesting Google is laying the groundwork for better user experiences, even if its own tablets take a backseat.
The fate of the Pixel Tablet series now rests on whether Google can pivot effectively to create a device that combines affordability with innovative, professional-grade features. For now, the Pixel Tablet 2, anticipated in 2024, might carry the torch, but it will face significant challenges in meeting heightened expectations following this development.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
-
Apps10 months agoGboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News10 months agoSamsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News9 months ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News9 months agoSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News10 months ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News10 months agoSatellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps7 months agoGoogle’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
News10 months agoGoogle Pixel evolves as Europe’s third best selling flagship