its strategy with which it seeks to move away from the iPad

The iPhone is one of the most influential smartphones in history, although its market share in countries like Europe is not as high as in others. But its origin was not planned as a priority. Apple was working on a tabletwhich then gave birth to the iPhone, then to the iPad.

This shows how important it was for the company then led by Steve Jobs to have a device halfway between the phone and the computeralthough at that time smartphones were still something very niche.

When Apple’s mobile was launched, Google was already working on Android as the mobile operating system, but the approach was a little more like what BlackBerrys were than what the iPhone was. What doesn’t seem to be a priority for them are tablets.

First intention, Nexus

Google’s first approach to this type of device was with the Nexus 7, a tablet that launched in 2012 under Google’s hardware brand at the time, Nexus, but was manufactured by ASUS. Two years have passed since the launch of the first iPad, and Google has maintained the approach that Apple gave to its device: I could do the same as on mobile, but on a bigger screen. And it went on like that for a long time.

Google later released other Nexus 7 models, a Nexus 10, made by Samsung, and a Nexus 9, made by HTC. It even went so far as to update Android to make it more user-friendly with these types of devices, but that idea never caught on with third-party developers.

Google’s infatuation with hardware has never been very strong, in part not to upset its partners, who have specialized in hardware when they have specialized in software. Despite this, currently We are witnessing an increase in the number of devices presented, and the sectors in which Google is setting foot. We have tablets, watches and even folding. A decade after this first attempt, Google has decided to return to this market with the Pixel Tablet, a new model with a more current design and with a resolutely intimate approach.

In recent years, between the Nexus 7 and the Pixel tablet, smart speakers have become very popular, which is why Google wanted to merge the two ideas, making the Pixel tablet a desk that transforms it into a vitaminized version of a Nest smart display.

looking for leisure

Unlike other brands that make tablets, like Apple or Amazon, Google did not want to look into the work aspect and he wanted to clarify that his new device is intended for leisure. It shows in the design, in the lack of accessories such as keyboards, although there are rumors that he could get a pencil for his tablets, and in not claiming that his new device replaces anything either.

This new tablet proves that Google continues to view the home as a place for hardware growth, although it does not come close to giants like Amazon or Xiaomi, with much greater bets on home automation. Even Apple seems to be working on a display for the home.

Google has no plans to go to work long hours with the Pixel tablet. Furthermore, he claims that part of the time of use is spent without picking up the device, leaving it on the desk to watch series, listen to music… you can even dictate to the voice to write something. This corresponds to the type of applications used on Android tablets, such as casual games, video calling applications or streaming applications like Netflix or HBO Max.

And this is where the only accessory not supplied to date, the case, comes into play. This protective element includes a small stand that allows you to leave the tablet on the tableto watch a video, make a call, etc.

How to get away from iPad

For several years now, the iPad has become the reference tablet, and Google knows that it will be difficult to try to dethrone the Apple model in the most professional aspect, for all. iPadOS app support that Android lacks. Probably for this reason, the company hasn’t even tried to come close to what Tim Cook’s company offers in the iPad Air with stylus or the iPad Pro with a keyboard, for example.

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The Pixel tablet is still a more straightforward rival to the iPad, although with the aspect of becoming a home device it also feels more useful, or useful longer, if you prefer. Even the screen ratio, 16:9, is designed for media consumptionand not for text programs, photo editing, etc.

Google’s path is different from the one OnePlus took with its tablet, which ditched the stylus and keyboard for analysis, making it clear that its intention was to be a cheaper option for mid-range iPads.

It’s unclear whether Android will eventually have an app ecosystem that allows tablets to go further. It also remains to be seen if the company’s new commitment to tablets is the right one, or if it should be more like what Amazon is trying to do.

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