Think of it as a portable Google Nest Hub Max
Google has used its annual I/O event to unveil the Pixel Tablet, with the slate offering a distinct docking system that appears to make it an ideal smart display alternative.
On the surface, the $499 / £599 Pixel Tablet appears to be just another run-of-the-mill Android slate. It boasts an 11-inch display, 2560 x 1600 LCD display, and is available in white, green, or pink.
Really, though, there’s nothing groundbreaking here, which means the real star of the show is – and we can’t really believe we’re saying this – the ‘Charging Speaker Dock’ included in the box.
This essentially turns the Pixel Tablet into an advanced version of the Google Nest Hub Max, a smart display that’s actually long overdue an upgrade after being launched way back in 2019.
When not in use, then, placing the tablet on the dock allows it to charge and automatically sync music through the more substantial speaker, rather than the device’s own four that are built-in.
Like the Nest Hub Max, it’ll also show a slideshow from Google Photos when docked, with a quick access button also bringing up the Google Home app to let you control your devices.
Naturally, it’s also able to handle Google Assistant commands, as well, for those who want hands-free control, and no personal information like notifications will be viewable until it’s unlocked.
Pulling it off the dock will then see it quickly switch over any sound to the device’s speakers, at which point users can also access all the wonders of Android 13 (with the tablet, of course, upgrading to Android 14 later this year).
Aside from being more portable, the OS is the other major difference between the Pixel Tablet and the Nest Hub Max, with the latter running on Google’s more streamlined Fuchsia OS.
The Pixel Tablet is available to pre-order now ahead of a 20 June shipping date. Stay tuned for our full verdict and comparison with the company’s flagship smart display.
