The Google Pixel Tablet has just been officially launched. The peculiarity of this Android tablet is that it comes with an essential dock to be able to enjoy certain functions.
Google Pixel Tablet // Source: Google
It’s been a year since the Google Pixel tablet was announced. Here it is now formalized as it should be on the occasion of the Google I/O 2023. Android tablets have been on the rise for a while, but this one really stands out for its dock.
But let’s start with a brief introduction of the tablet. It offers an 11-inch screen, three microphones, four speakers and two photo sensors (front and rear) of 8 MP each. The Pixel Tablet is powered by the in-house Google Tensor G2 chip. It is thus the first time that an SoC from the Californian giant has been found on a plaque.
Google Pixel Tablet // Source: Google
The device has a very classic style with large bezels around the screen and a homogeneous back. Note that the “Porcelain White” version has a nano-ceramic coating for a more comfortable feel.
The fingerprint reader is placed on the unlock button and we benefit here from 8 GB of RAM for 128 GB of storage.
One dock and it changes everything
Let’s get to the most important detail: the dock. For this Pixel tablet, Google made a bold decision: the tablet offers a number of additional functions when placed on its “Charging Speaker Dock”.
This is a stand that matches the color of your tablet and is designed to stay connected in the same place in your home. When you place the Pixel tablet on it, it charges and uses the audio quality of the dock for four times more intense bass, according to the brand.
Google Pixel Tablet // Source: Google
It obviously doesn’t stop there. When using the tablet on its dock, you can take advantage of a “hub mode”. This does four things in particular:
- Display a series of souvenir photos by adjusting the brightness of the screen to that of the room.
- Quickly access a control center (linked to the Google Home app) to control connected objects in the home.
- Use the tablet hands-free with Google Assistant (but you still need to identify yourself for the most privacy-sensitive features);
- Use Chromecast by sending content from smartphone to Pixel tablet.
Google Pixel Tablet // Source: Google
As for that last point, Google is proud to offer the first tablet that natively integrates Chromecast. Note, however, that this feature is not available without a dock.
So you see: the real interest of the Google Pixel Tablet ultimately lies in its dock. It is therefore an essentially sedentary table, the nomadic use of which is pushed into the background to a certain extent. This device thus has the potential to become a more versatile successor to smart displays.
The Google Pixel Tablet charging speaker dock // Source: Google
Google Pixel tablet price and release date
The Google Pixel Tablet is sold with a dock at the official price of 679 euros. You can purchase an additional dock for 149 euros. If you prefer, you can also opt for a protective case designed to be placed and used on the dock for 99 euros.
The Google Pixel tablet and its case // Source: Google
Pre-orders will begin on May 10th, with actual marketing taking place at the end of June.
Where can I buy this?
Google Pixel Tablet (2023) at the best price?
A notice: Our journalist Omar attends the Google I/O in Mountain View as part of a press trip organized by Google.
Would you like to join a community of enthusiasts? Our Discord welcomes you, it’s a place of mutual help and passion for technology.