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’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
-
Apps1 year agoGboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year agoSamsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year agoSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year agoSatellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps12 months agoGoogle’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
Apps10 months agoGoogle Contacts app testing new Besties Widget