The Pixel Tablet launched without a pen (despite supporting USI) or a keyboard accessory last year, but a new rumor says Google will be launching both soon.
According to @MysteryLupin today, Google is apparently planning to “relaunch” and sell the existing Pixel Tablet without the Charging Speaker Dock, which costs $129 separately.
The 128 GB Pixel Tablet comes in at $499 ($599 for 256 GB) with that smart home accessory included.
It remains to be seen how much cheaper a standalone Pixel Tablet will be.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Google has been working on a darker Pixel Tablet for some time.
The Pixel Tablet focusing more on productivity could justify a new Smart Display.
At the same, the reliable leaker says this standalone Pixel Tablet will be announced alongside a “Pen and Bluetooth Keyboard” that will cost “around €100” ($106~) each.
Both accessories have long been rumored to launch alongside the Pixel Tablet, but that never materialized.
Despite supporting USB Type-C, Google did not include a pen or a keyboard accessory with the Pixel Tablet when it first launched last year. However, a recent rumor suggests that both will be available soon.
Today, @MysteryLupin reported that Google may “relaunch” and sell the Pixel Tablet without the $129 attachment, which is required for charging. The price of the 128 GB Pixel Tablet, which includes the smart home accessory, is $499 ($599 for 256 GB).
How much less expensive a standalone Pixel Tablet will be is still to be determined. Although the device has already been discounted to $399 and $449, $349 or $379 would be a better price.
Given the dock, it will be interesting to see if Google includes a USB-C charger (and cable) in the interim. Currently, one is not included. Today, Google released their 30W USB-C power charger.
Furthermore to consider is that Google has been developing a darker Pixel Tablet for a while. It may be released at this time by Google. The dark gray rear shell connects the black bezels.
It was reported yesterday that Google may be developing a Nest Hub Max replacement. With its increased productivity, the Pixel Tablet may make a new Smart Display necessary.
Concurrently, the trustworthy source claims that this stand-alone Pixel Tablet will be unveiled with a “Pen and Bluetooth Keyboard” that will run you “roughly €100” ($106~) apiece. The current hues Hazel (dark green) and Porcelain (white/beige) will still be accessible for them.
Though it never happened, both accessories had long been expected to debut alongside the Pixel Tablet. Apps such as Google Keep are working to add quick note functionality to the tablet, and it supports USI 2.0 stylus pens.
The Pixel Tablet has a “4-pin accessory connector for charging, data transfer, and audio output,” so it’s interesting that the keyboard connects via Bluetooth. In theory, the keyboard won’t need a separate USB-C port; it should charge over those pins.
Regarding a retail release, the tweet indicates that it will be available (in Europe) on May 10.
Changing things up.
