The much-anticipated Google Pixel Tablet was announced at Google I/O to be released on June 20. But while I/O revealed many things this tablet can do, one feature was clearly missing: keyboard and stylus support. Keyboard and stylus support.
Leaker Kamila Wojciechowska, who revealed details of the initial Pixel Tablet earlier this year, now also teases a "keyboard for the Pixel Tablet" and a "stylus for the Pixel Tablet." She did not go into details about these two, expressing disappointment that Google would delay the tablet for so long and release it in a seemingly unfinished state.
Camilla suggests that both keyboard and stylus accessories may be available in the near future. If this is indeed the case, the Pixel Tablet will have what it takes to compete with Apple's iPad; maybe not the iPad Pro series with the same M-series chips as the Mac and MacBook, but certainly something like the iPad Air. It will be able to compete.
Of course, the best feature of the Pixel Tablet is something that not even Apple offers: the option to use the tablet as a smart home display. This is aided by a charging dock that connects magnetically to the back of the tablet and acts as a speaker. This turns the Pixel Tablet into a Next Hub every time it is placed for charging.
There are rumors that Apple will unveil its own smart display, merging the iPad experience with the HomePod speaker. It is unclear if there will be an option to detach the tablet and use it like a regular iPad. However, this type of functionality is rumored to be a possibility for both the iPad and iPhone in the near future. However, as far as we know, without a special charging dock.
However, despite the lack of smart home-centric technology, the iPad does support a keyboard and stylus. Samsung and OnePlus have also achieved this with their best Android tablets. So without more productivity-focused options, Google may struggle to make the Pixel tablet relevant.
Meanwhile, you can read all about what the Pixel Tablet can do in our hands-on Google Pixel Tablet ahead of its official release on June 20.
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