Pixel Pill 2: In abstract
- Google’s second-generation flagship Android pill
- Reportedly cancelled attributable to worries of poor gross sales
- A no-show on the Pixel 10 launch
- Google has formally commented on the state of affairs
Google’s flagship Android pill and iPad rival is 2 years outdated, so the place is the Pixel Pill 2?
The Pixel Pill arrived in Might 2023, and although not all gadgets have a 12-month refresh cycle, a successor would usually have arrived by now.
Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless no signal of a Pixel Pill 2, which Google might by no means launch. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless (some) hope for the way forward for the Pixel Pill line.
Right here’s the whole lot we all know to date, together with rumours, our knowledgeable evaluation and issues we’d prefer to see.
When is the Pixel Pill 2 launch date?
In abstract
- The Pixel Pill 2 is reportedly cancelled
- A no-show at Google’s 20 August occasion
- Google formally says improvement is paused
Initially, it was thought that the Pixel Pill 2 was going to reach with the Pixel 9 vary of telephones and Pixel Watch 3 in August 2024.
That didn’t occur, regardless of the credible sources suggesting it could. In actual fact, there’s nonetheless no signal of it a 12 months later, with the August 2025 launch occasion specializing in the Pixel 10 sequence and Pixel Watch 4.
It most likely shouldn’t come as a shock. Again in November 2024, it was reported that Google had cancelled the Pixel Pill 2 (regarded as codenamed ‘kiyomi’), with sources round that point citing worries about poor gross sales.
Later information steered Google was nonetheless engaged on a pill of some sort, probably the Pixel Pill 3 coming in 2027, however Google has now (lastly) spoken in regards to the state of affairs, so we’ve got extra readability.
In accordance with Bloomberg, who spoke with Google executives, together with SVP of Units & Companies Rick Osterloh, it has “paused improvement on a pill overhaul till it figures out a significant future for the class”.
That is about as official a remark as we’ve seen to verify the Pixel Pill 2 is cancelled, however the truth that it is just ‘paused’ and never utterly deserted leaves the door open for one thing sooner or later.
We hope there’s a ‘significant future’ for Pixel tablets going ahead, however it’s clear Google’s focus is on different {hardware} classes for the time being, in addition to, after all, AI.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Curiously, the Bloomberg interview additionally revealed Google isn’t engaged on a foldable flip telephone to rival the Motorola Razr or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip gadgets. Neither is it engaged on a sensible ring and it’s “TBD” (to be decided) if any new sensible glasses are on the way in which.
Sources: Telephone Enviornment | Android Authority | Engadget | Bloomberg
How a lot will the Pixel Pill 2 value?
In abstract
- Related value to the unique Pixel Pill
- Ought to supply the pill and docking station individually
The Pixel Pill 2 might by no means see the sunshine of day, however it was broadly thought that Google would observe the identical pricing construction as the unique.
That might imply a value of £599/$499 for a 128GB storage capability and bundled docking station (value £139/$129 for the Pixel Pill). The 256GB would value £699/$599.
Nonetheless, we’re not satisfied that Google will go down this path once more.
Many critiques, together with Tech Advisor’s, criticised Google for not providing the pill by itself. Now Google appears to have realized from that mistake, I’m hoping it provides each choices from the beginning for the second era.
Pitching the Pixel Pill 2 at round £399/$399 by itself, and leaving the docking station as an optionally available further (with a bundle low cost), would most likely be the wisest transfer. It might assist the gadget to rival the common iPad a minimum of.
What we need to see within the Pixel Pill 2
In abstract
- It won’t launch, however some Pixel Pill 2 specs leaked
- May point out a few of what the Pixel Pill 3 has to supply
- Tech Advisor needs for extra of the identical, with enhancements in sure areas
Though the Pixel Pill 2 has reportedly been cancelled, Android Authority has shared a variety of details about its specs and the options it might supply.
Whereas neither official nor confirmed, this info reveals what the Pixel Pill 2 might have been and a few of which can nonetheless find yourself within the Pixel Pill 3.
Design & Construct
The Pixel Pill 2, codenamed ‘kiyomi,’ retained the foundational design of its predecessor however included considerate enhancements.
Google deliberate to boost the accent ecosystem with a first-party keyboard and stylus, making it extra versatile for productiveness and creativity.
The gadget additionally aimed to take care of its twin performance as each a pill and a sensible show, aligning with its function in sensible residence setups.
We nonetheless just like the Charging Speaker Dock as a singular promoting level, however the audio system inside it could possibly be loads higher, particularly when in comparison with the Google Subsequent Hub Max, which may be very comparable and sounds loads higher.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Show
A major improve for the Pixel Pill 2 was its 10.95-inch LCD panel, providing a 120Hz refresh charge in comparison with the unique’s 60Hz.
The decision remained at 2,560 x 1,600, however brightness was barely elevated to 550 nits from 500 nits.
Whereas nonetheless an LCD, chosen to keep away from burn-in points widespread with OLEDs, the smoother refresh charge promised a greater visible expertise.
It’s doable that with the Pixel Pill 3, Google moved to each the next refresh charge and an OLED panel. We’d like to see it go brighter, too.
Efficiency
At its core, the Pixel Pill 2 was deliberate to run on the Tensor G4 chipset, utilizing an Built-in Bundle on Bundle (IPoP) design.
Although barely thicker and hotter than the Fan-Out Panel Degree Packaging (FOPLP) variant, it provided value effectivity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This represented a strong leap ahead from the Tensor G2 of the unique Pixel Pill. Google additionally ready the gadget for DisplayPort output, supporting as much as 4K decision, a step towards improved connectivity and exterior show capabilities.
If and when the Pixel Pill 3 arrives, it might soar to the Tensor G6, making for an enormous efficiency soar.
Cameras
The digicam setup would have seen reasonable enhancements.
The entrance digicam would have been upgraded to a 10Mp Samsung sensor (from 8Mp), whereas the rear digicam was deliberate to incorporate an 11Mp autofocus sensor – up from the earlier, fixed-focus 8Mp.
Regardless of these enhancements, face unlock was not included, although the selfie digicam was the identical because the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
We’re not too fussed about cameras on tablets, however face unlock can be a pleasant addition.
Battery & Charging
The Pixel Pill 2 was set to obtain a modest increase in battery capability, growing from 6900mAh to 7200mAh.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whereas not groundbreaking, this enhancement complemented the upper refresh charge show and improved efficiency, possible extending its usability for each pill and sensible show capabilities.
We’d additionally prefer to see quicker charging like a few of its rivals, such because the Xiaomi Pad 7.
Software program
The software program enhancements had been possible tied to Google’s broader efforts to optimise Android for tablets.
The addition of Thread assist for IoT gadget integration showcased Google’s intention to deepen the Pixel Pill’s function in sensible residence ecosystems.
Nonetheless, some deliberate options, like 5G and GPS assist, had been reserved for the mobile variant, leaving the Wi-Fi mannequin comparatively restricted.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
We’ll be holding an eye fixed out for Pixel Pill 2 information and rumours and can replace this text after they seem.
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