The tablet market has seen its fair share of changes in recent times, and the latest news suggests that Google may be stepping back from producing its own tablets in the near future.
According to a report from Android Headlines, Google has decided to cancel its Pixel Tablet 3, codenamed ‘Kiyomi.’ This decision has raised questions about the tech giant’s future in the tablet space, especially following the recent launch of the Galaxy Tab S10 series, which omitted the entry-level model.
The Pixel Tablet 3’s development was reportedly halted just last week, with internal teams being informed of the decision shortly after. Employees working on the project have apparently been reassigned to other projects within Google, signaling a shift in the company’s hardware priorities.
This move comes on the heels of Google’s 2023 release of the Pixel Tablet, its first attempt to re-enter the tablet market since 2019. However, the cancellation of its successor, the Pixel Tablet 2, which was expected to launch next year, suggests that Google may be exiting the tablet market for the foreseeable future.
The decision to scrap the Pixel Tablet 3 has led to speculation about Google’s overall strategy. There are rumors that the company may merge ChromeOS with Android to improve the competitiveness of Android tablets against the iPad. Additionally, reports suggest that Google could be working on its first Pixel Laptop, indicating a potential shift away from the tablet market.
While Android continues to introduce tablet-friendly features, Google’s hardware efforts in the tablet space appear to be diminishing once again. The Pixel Tablet 2, previously rumored to come with a first-party keyboard case, may now launch as the final tablet in Google’s lineup with no successor in sight.
On the other hand, Google’s recent launch of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hints at a potential focus on foldable phones that double as tablets when unfolded. These devices often boast additional features and enhanced power. Only time will tell if Google’s strategy will indeed shift towards foldable devices over traditional tablets.
As we await further developments, it will be interesting to see what the upcoming Pixel 10 series has in store for us next year. Stay tuned for more updates on Google’s hardware roadmap and future product releases.
