Google is gearing up for a rather delightful change in its Pixel Tablet strategy, at least according to recent rumors. Because the tech giant is reportedly planning to “relaunch” the Pixel Tablet next month. The kicker? It will be sold without the controversial Charging Speaker Dock that was previously bundled with the tablet.
The Flawed Launch
When Google first launched the Pixel Tablet last June 2023, it came bundled with a Charging Speaker Dock, which allowed the tablet to function as a smart speaker when docked. Unfortunately, this mandatory inclusion of the dock was met with mixed reactions from consumers.
Many felt that the dock's features were lacking and that being forced to purchase the accessory along with the tablet was a significant drawback. It was the hard deal breaker for what could have been its buyers. And even those still interested still strongly expressed their desire to have the option to buy the Pixel Tablet as a standalone device, without the added cost and bulk of the dock.
Correcting the Issue
Perhaps recognizing the concerns surrounding the controversial product bundle, Google appears to have taken steps to address the issue. Reliable Google leaker MysteryLupin noted clearly in a tweet, enclosed in parentheses, the detail that the Pixel Tablet will be available once again, but this time without the dock.
Alongside the relaunch, Google is expected to introduce two highly anticipated accessories for the Pixel Tablet: a stylus pen and a Bluetooth keyboard. The tweet also noted that these accessories will be available for purchase separately, with an estimated price of €100 ($106). Both the pen and keyboard will be offered in the same Hazel and Porcelain colorways as the Pixel Tablet itself.
The stylus pen is definitely a welcome addition for users who have been eagerly awaiting this feature. The Pixel Tablet supports USI 2.0 stylus pens, and apps like Google Keep have already begun adding quick note functionality to take advantage of this capability.
The Bluetooth keyboard is another intriguing accessory, especially considering the Pixel Tablet's 4-pin accessory connector, which is designed for charging, data transfer, and audio output. However, it remains to be seen whether the keyboard will utilize these pins for charging or if it will feature a separate USB-C port. (Maybe both?)
Launch Timing and Pricing
The timing of Google's Pixel Tablet relaunch is particularly interesting, as it coincides with Apple's delayed iPad launch. That’s right, the two events are set to occur just three days apart from each other. MysteryLupin asserts that this is just pure coincidence, so let’s just put it at that.
As for pricing, the standalone Pixel Tablet is expected to be more affordable than the previous bundle. The 128GB Pixel Tablet with the Charging Speaker Dock currently retails for $499 ($599 for the 256GB version). So, without the dock, the tablet's price could potentially drop to $349 or $379, already making it a more viable option for the more budget-minded.
