The Pixel tablet with docking station (Image: Google)
It’s been more than four years since Google last released a tablet. The Pixel Slate, a Chrome tablet in the style of Microsoft Surface devices, was released in October 2018 and less than a year later production was stopped and it was announced that there would be no successor.
It’s now 2023 and Google plans to continue the series. According to initial information, this time it will be an Android tablet that can also function as a smart home hub with a docking station. A new registration of Google with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in America indicates an imminent launch and reveals some details.
What is the FCC and what does it do?
The FCC is a US government agency responsible for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting and cable. This means that they ensure that all companies offering telecom services operate fairly, securely and that they comply with the law.
Registering new devices with the FCC is primarily a no-brainer and a formality before Google can put the devices on sale, but there are indications that the most recent registration could be the Pixel tablet. Conversely, this would mean that the tablet could appear soon.
Wireless technology that has so far been little used is used
The listed device with the designation “GTU8P” has three different connection types:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- UWB (Ultra Wideband)
The Pixel Tablet will probably not support a mobile phone connection and will therefore primarily be used in your own four walls. (Image: Google)
The lack of a cellular connection suggests that this could be the Pixel Tablet. The inclusion of UWB is particularly interesting. At Google, the new wireless technology has only come with the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. Compared to similar technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, UWB is very precise in location, very fast and has a higher bandwidth.
However, UWB has not yet been used extensively on the two cell phones. Currently, use is limited to using the cell phone as a digital car key. With the Pixel Tablet, the technology could be used to control the smart home hub or quickly share music and files with it. In addition, it could be used to more precisely locate lost objects and devices (at least in one’s home). In addition, not many technical details are known. So far it is certain that the tablet will G2-Chip will use, which is also in the current Pixel phones.
We will very likely find out whether this FCC listing will really be the Pixel Tablet at the Google I/O, which will be published on 10. May 2023 will be held.
How interested would you be in a Google Pixel tablet? What features should such a tablet have and do you think Google will be successful with it? What do you think of the fact that it will very likely not have cell phone reception and can only be used at home, possibly in a smart home? Tell us what you think about it in the comments!