The Pixel Pill 2 will need to overcome five significant hurdles to effectively compete with iPads.

Key Takeaways

• The Google Pixel Watch is impressive, but its successor should be an even more comprehensive smartwatch.
• The Pixel Slate 2 should introduce support for windowed apps, mirroring the iPad’s capability, as well as a native stylus experience.
• To elevate user experience, Google should enhance the Charging Speaker Dock to function as a capable standalone speaker even when disconnected from the Pixel Pill.

Google’s attempts to create a sticky pill have been hit-or-miss, ranging from the ambitious tablet-as-giant-phone concept to unconventional ChromeOS experiments. Amongst various concerns, the Pixel Pill, which Google launched in 2023, was a crucial correction – its functionality became apparent the moment it was taken out of the box.

With its unique ability to transform into both a tablet and a smart display when docked or not, respectively, the Pixel Pill was effectively centered around the home experience rather than productivity – a strategic move that ultimately proved more successful for Google. Despite the widespread adoption of Android devices, the number of high-quality Android tablet apps still lags behind those available for the iPad. By assigning the Pixel Pill a part-time role as a responsible residence controller, this pressing issue becomes significantly less pressing. However, the job hasn’t been particularly demanding in all aspects. The introduction of a new Nest Thermostat has raised expectations akin to those surrounding the Pixel Pill’s launch; thus, the upcoming Pixel Pill 2 must significantly outdo its predecessor to justify an upgrade. Google should consider incorporating innovative features into its next iteration, such as real-time object recognition and augmented reality integration.

Google aims to furnish its proprietary stylus and a range of stylus choices.

The Pixel Pen is designed primarily for finger use, yet it also offers seamless support for USI 2.0 styluses if you own one. While numerous Android devices come equipped with stylus technology, courtesy of major partners like Google’s closest ally, there was a notable exception: the first generation of Google’s tablet series failed to include this feature, leaving users puzzled as to why it was deliberately omitted. The company had previously developed a stylus that could be used in conjunction with the Pixelbook Pen, allowing for seamless writing and drawing capabilities on the convertible laptop’s touchscreen. Google also supported the same stylus with its Pixel Slate tablet.

The USI 2.0 enables robust palm rejection, reliable tilt detection, and heightened strain sensitivity.

To fully unlock the potential of the Pixel Pill 2, Google should empower users to leverage its impressive display screen for a diverse range of applications beyond mere entertainment and information consumption. Google’s stylus design is optimized for seamless integration with its suite of apps, including a key feature that mirrors Apple’s iOS functionality – the ability to accept handwritten input in any text field, effortlessly transitioning from finger-based typing to stylus-driven writing. If the Pixel Pill transforms into an even more valuable space outside the home, then it should probably become a place where you can effortlessly write and create things just as much as it already is a space for consuming them.

Deliver on the windowed apps

Although Android has offered split-screen multitasking for longer than the iPad, users seeking to perform more complex tasks required customised software from Samsung, such as Multi Window, to keep multiple apps visible, similar to those found on desktop operating systems. Google should consider using the Pixel Tablet, powered by the Pixel Pill 2 processor, as a viable option for introducing robust desktop-like multitasking and support for windowed applications on Android tablets.

Fortunately, as of Sept. By 2024, Google has reportedly initiated testing of its latest innovation. The technology should now seamlessly integrate with the Pixel Pill’s advanced features to provide users with a seamless and enjoyable experience. Regardless of whether the brand-new function materializes before the end of 2024 or debuts on a Pixel Tablet 2 in 2025, Android is well-equipped to handle it. What’s more, leveraging the Pixel Tablet’s processing prowess to render Android applications with native precision can significantly mitigate the problem of non-optimized apps on its 10.95-inch display. Windows 10 allows for seamless multitasking on smartphones without the need to stretch across the entire screen.

The Google Assistant-enabled speaker dock should seamlessly transform into a smart speaker like the Nest Audio with improved sound quality and enhanced AI capabilities.

When the Pixel Pill debuted in 2023, it was bundled with its accompanying Charging Speaker Dock, available for use right out of the box. The dock and pill were designed as a cohesive unit, making it logical that they would be marketed together as well. Although Google now offers the Nest Audio and the Charging Speaker Dock as standalone products, their synergy remains crucial for many users. The dock cannot function independently, except to occupy a power source. When not paired with a Pixel Pill, the Charging Speaker Dock is unable to produce high-quality sound or integrate with voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This is simply a basic charging device with no additional features.

Google aims to enhance its Charging Speaker Dock with the updated Pixel Pill 2. At minimum, the device should be able to play audio when no tablet is connected, but ideally, it could seamlessly integrate with Google’s speaker lineup as an additional sound source, potentially elevating the overall listening experience. Given that the potential of these new skills is uncertain and may not significantly increase the value of the existing $129, it might be more worthwhile to purchase the Dock on its own rather than solely as an accessory for a tablet, assuming there are no additional benefits or features that would justify the premium.

The Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, came equipped with the advanced Tensor G2 chip and a crisp 10.95-inch LCD display. By December 2023, Google introduced the Tensor G3 chip on the Pixel 8, pairing it with a custom-crafted “Tremendous Actual” OLED display that showcased its innovative capabilities. Although The Pixel Pill’s components were unremarkable, they were swiftly eclipsed by the significant specification advancements introduced by Google with its Pixel 8 release; in 2024, the company will undoubtedly shift focus to the next iteration. While details about the processor in the Pixel Tablet 2 are unclear, it’s unlikely that Google would reuse the same chip and expect users to upgrade.

While The Pixel Pill’s components didn’t exactly break new ground, they were quickly eclipsed by the significant specifications upgrade Google introduced with the Pixel 8 in 2023, and further amplified by the subsequent release of the Pixel 9 in 2024.

Google may revolutionize the experience of using a Pixel pill by leveraging a novel display enabled by its latest Tensor chip. If Google were to incorporate a high-refresh rate OLED display screen into its next-generation Pixel Tablet, it would enable the device to showcase information even when not in active use, providing an immersive and visually stunning experience. This innovative design concept could potentially yield a substantial profit by transforming the pill into a functional home base.

Google should create Gemini-like interfaces for larger displays.

With top-tier smartphones converging on digital camera capabilities, Google’s Pixel series stands out through its proprietary, AI-driven software features that set it apart from the competition. While Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Recorder might appear to be niche features, they actually enhance the overall user experience on Google’s smartphones compared to other Android devices. Despite its dominance in various areas of technology, Google has surprisingly failed to develop a solution tailored specifically to its own Android operating system’s pill-like interface. The Pixel Tablet effectively facilitates visual searches on-screen, offering an equivalent level of access to Gemini users as with other Android devices. However, it lacks any unique features specific to its hardware.

The Pixel Pill 2 is expected to arrive with an impressive arsenal of artificial intelligence features. While a deeper stylus assist and seamless handwriting conversion may enhance the user experience, what truly sets the Pixel Pill apart is its capacity for summarization and the potential to display doodles.