The Google Pixel Pill made a shock look on the Pixel 7 smartphone and Pixel Watch wearable reveal occasion – its second public displaying, after a brief debut at Google I/O earlier within the 12 months.
Its time within the highlight may need been temporary, however we now know an entire lot extra in regards to the upcoming slate past that it exists, and what it’ll appear like. The house-focused system will include a magnetic dock to double as a wise display screen once you’re not holding it, and run a tablet-optimised model of Android.
There are nonetheless loads of unanswered questions between now and when it formally launches in 2023, however we’ve bought lots to go on. So be a part of us in discovering the whole lot it’s essential know in regards to the Google Pixel Pill.
Google Pixel Pill design and display screen
The Pixel Pill’s design might be the one factor we all know probably the most about, given it’s been proven off from numerous angles. From what we’ve seen to this point, we’re a little bit upset — principally as a consequence of what look like moderately giant bezels and a plastic, rounded rear, which doesn’t appear that premium or thrilling (although we do like the color). Seems that texture is extra ceramic, although – so it may really feel a bit extra high-end when you get it in your hand.
Actually, it principally resembles a pill that was designed fairly a number of years in the past, and that might be high-quality if it landed with an reasonably priced price ticket to match. As for the display screen measurement? No official dimensions have been given, however from the images we’ve seen, it can nearly definitely be bigger than dinky tablets just like the iPad Mini.
The way in which the Pixel Pill magnetically latches onto its charging dock will possible be its USP: it’ll sit in situ once you’re not utilizing it, performing as a wise show and choosing up “Hey Google” voice requests. Apparently it’ll have a built-in speaker, though Google has but to verify if that’s the case.
Google’s reveal of the dock confirms information dug from the Android 13 QPR1 beta by 9to5Google, with animations displaying what as a then-rumoured docking station. They recommended the dock will cost the pill, and can allow you to customise the display screen with completely different clock faces, private images or curated photographs. Accompanying descriptions appeared to say Google Assistant will reply even when the display screen is locked, and also you’ll be capable of play music or solid movies on the lock display screen whereas the pill is docked.
Google Pixel Pill specs and OS
Google confirmed at I/O that the Pixel Pill could be powered by its homegrown Tensor processor, however on the time we weren’t certain which one. There was a chance it will use the identical one discovered within the Pixel 6 technology, which could assist hold the worth in verify, however the agency revealed it will as a substitute use a Tensor G2. That’s the identical chip seen within the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional – though there’s nonetheless time for Google to provide it some tablet-sized optimisations.
Past that, we’ve bought no official phrases on RAM, battery capability and so on, however we will simply spot a single rear digital camera and might confidently assume it’ll run Android 13, particularly as Google made some extent to point out off pill optimisations whereas stating that it’s working with corporations like TikTok and Fb to ship higher big-screen Android apps.
Google went a bit additional on the Pixel 7 reveal occasion, displaying off a spread of various optimised apps from its personal steady, confirming many would play properly with split-screen mode. The agency then teased/inadvertently revealed a redesigned app dock and expanded standing bar in a blog post discussing new keyboard shortcuts for note-taking app Google Preserve. It seems to have gained a brand new profile switcher within the prime proper nook, which might make sense for a pill designed to remain at house and be utilized by a number of members of the family.
In reality, the most recent rumours counsel it’ll use a 64-bit model of Android 13. Whereas Apple switched to 64-bit again in 2017 with iOS 11, Google has been merrily supporting legacy 32-bit software program all this time. Some Android 12 builds examined going 64-bit solely, however not all of ’em, so this may very well be the start line.
It will assist scale back how a lot RAM the pill wants for easy operation, however would imply it could possibly’t run 32-bit apps. On the plus aspect, any app on the Play Retailer up to date since 2019 can have 64-bit baked-in, as that’s when Google made it necessary.
Subsequent clues got here from from developer Kuba Wojciechowski, who dug by way of Android’s AOSP supply code to uncover a number of tidbits together with the very fact it won’t embody any GPS, mobile modem, proximity sensor or barometer. That’s primarily as a result of the system might be used as a Nest Hub, and meant to remain inside the house moderately than being taken outside. We must also count on an 8MP digital camera on both aspect of the system.
Wojciechowski subsequently teamed up with 91mobiles to disclose extra information found buried in Google’s engineering validation take a look at (EVT) section. The Pixel Pill ought to arrive with a ten.95in display screen, and have two storage capability choices: 128GB and 256GB. It should apparently help an official Google-built stylus, too, though there’s no indication what it’ll appear like simply but.
Google Pixel Pill launch date
Google acknowledged that the Pixel Pill is being launched in 2023 and, nicely, that’s just about it. No point out of which season, quarter, or anything that may trace in the direction of the precise launch date, however hey, a minimum of we all know the 12 months.
The October {hardware} occasion was centred on the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional and Pixel Watch, so whereas the Pixel Pill did make a brief look, no additional information a couple of launch date was launched.
If we needed to guess, we’d wager on a spring or autumn launch, which is when Google tends to launch {hardware}. We’ll simply have to attend and see if that finally ends up being the case.
Google Pixel Pill value
Once more, there’s little or no to go on right here as Google didn’t share any particular pricing data. Google’s Rick Osterloh, who unveiled the Pixel Pill on stage, did nonetheless state that it will be extra of a premium fashion product, on the bigger finish of the spectrum.
This considerably dashes our hopes of a extra reasonably priced pill, however time will inform if it reaches the lofty value heights of, say, Samsung’s high-end Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
