It’s no secret that the Google Pixel Tablet will come in 2023. Google mentioned it at the Pixel 7 launch earlier this month and confirmed that the Pixel Tablet will double as a tablet and smart home hub. It will have a detachable screen that can transform into a smart screen focusing on smart home features once docked.
The tablet is also expected to be much more than just a smart home center. When detached, it is expected to be a fully functional smart display. We don’t know all the features the tablet will offer yet, and while Google has only given us a glimpse of the tablet’s interface, images have been leaked from 9to5Google (Opens in a new tab) Show what Google Assistant and Discover might look like.
A decompilation of the latest beta build (version 13.42) of the Google Search app by 9to5Google shows interesting and possibly new designs on the tablet.
Looking at these images, it looks like Google is trying to give its tablet a new look rather than reusing designs from Chromebooks or the Google Nest Hub. The Assistant can be brought in using the same keyword, and while the colorful “lightstrip” design found on Pixel phones is still there, the Assistant will display its answers precisely to the right of the screen. This leaves room for the current app to remain in view as well.
Google Discover can access the Pixel Tablet – something Chromebooks miss – and it’s a convenient way to learn about news articles and information. Like the Nest Hub, there is a welcome message followed by content spread across the screen in two columns.
Several new Android 13 features will also appear on the Pixel Tablet after Android 12L paved the way for the new Android 13 experience on tablets. The entire screen appears to be undergoing an overhaul with more information available at a glance and redesigned UI elements. The tech giant shared some interface images at the Pixel 7 launch event, which gives us an idea of what to expect from the Pixel Tablet and how Android 13 will look on the screen.
The tablet is expected to get pen support and split screen mode and the company says it’s working with different developers on pen and split screen support for apps. Google has also committed to updating more than 20 of its apps to be more user-friendly on large screen devices. There will always be access to the taskbar running along the bottom and we may see drag and drop functionality between apps.
Google will soon join Apple in the race for the best tablet after the iPhone maker recently launched its new line of iPads. However, both companies seem to be taking different approaches when it comes to their tablets.
On the one hand, Google seems to be in a good place to give us a new look with a tablet by taking advantage of the full potential of Android 13. It doesn’t rival the new iPad Pro (12.9-inch) but it could seriously undermine Apple. With new features and price. On the other hand, Google also has a challenge at hand, making things different from its previous attempts at an Android tablet while making the Pixel Tablet a little different from the Nest Hub in terms of looks, features and functionality. Google already has a new idea to give us a two-in-one product, let’s hope it doesn’t fall into a confused product group.
