When we tested the Pixel tablet around this time last year, we stated unequivocally: “It’s all about the dock.” It was, after all, the one thing that really set the device apart from countless other uninspired Android tablets. Now I am pleased to inform you that as a consumer you can buy the device without the bit that made it really good and interesting.
Of course, other purchase options are always good, but the charging speaker dock is by far the most interesting part of the system. As a result, the device will be used as a large smart display when you are not using it in tablet mode.
Imagine a more versatile version of the Nest Hub Max — a device that we have not heard about for a couple of years.
(Side note: What the heck is going on with the Nest Hub line in the first place? Or Google Assistant, for that matter? Will Gemini completely replace the assistant soon? Will these and other questions be answered at Google I/O next week? )
The announcement was released along with the arrival of Google’s Pixel 8a budget handset. It also happened to fall a few hours after Apple introduced new versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
The Pixel Slate is now also available for the first time in Italy and Spain.
