Past the Alphabet
Past the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each in and out of the confines of Mountain View.
Ever for the reason that rumors started swirling about Google doubtlessly releasing a “Pixel Laptop computer,” I have been skeptical, to say the least. The preliminary studies got here simply earlier than different rumors instructed Google determined to cancel its future plans for a Pixel Pill 2. So, whereas it might sound as if Google is lining issues as much as change the Pill with an Android-powered laptop computer, one thing simply did not sit proper.
My skepticism marched into overdrive after some posited that this could possibly be the start of Google changing ChromeOS with Android. I’ve already defined why I feel that may be a foul thought and why Chromebooks are seemingly right here to remain.
Nonetheless, I not too long ago had a “lightbulb second” about what I feel a Pixel Laptop computer would appear like. Offered that it ever sees the sunshine of day and is not only a undertaking that may find yourself going the way in which of the Pixelbook 2.
If something, it is completely doable that we see one thing akin to the Microsoft Floor Professional 11. On this imaginary state of affairs, the Pixel Laptop computer could be powered by one in all Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips and have a removable keyboard.
It might sound odd that I am suggesting that Google opts for the Snapdragon X Elite versus one thing just like the Tensor G4 successor. However it could truthfully make sense, supplied that it is a product that Google plans to launch future iterations of.
A part of the problems with the Pixel Pill stems from the awkward launch cycle that it was given. First, it was introduced in October 2022 earlier than being launched in June 2023, and even then, you could not simply get the Pill with out additionally getting the Charging Speaker Dock. It wasn’t till Could 2024 that Google allow you to ditch the dock, which was nice however wasn’t the Pixel Pill announcement we had been hoping for.
To not point out that we’re now heading into 2025, and no successor has been introduced, so we’re “caught” with Google’s Tensor G2. For what it’s and what it does, the G2 and Pixel Pill nonetheless carry out effectively. Nonetheless, with the fixed push to get Gemini into the arms of as many individuals as doable, the Pixel Pill is an apparent Achilles heel.
Logically, it could make sense for Google to launch an Android-powered Pixel Laptop computer with the subsequent Tensor SoC. However, I feel the Snapdragon X Elite could be higher positioned for longevity because it appears to be simply what the physician ordered for Home windows on Arm units.
All the constructing blocks for Google to make such a transfer are already there, and varied enhancements are persevering with to be made to Android. Only recently, a devoted Linux Terminal app was added with Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, which can be obtainable within the newest Android 16 Developer Preview.
This can be a fairly necessary piece of the puzzle, as I imagine Google will finally make it function equally to Linux on a Chromebook. With the Terminal app, you’ll have the ability to obtain and set up suitable Linux apps, identical to you may with ChromeOS.
And whereas the Terminal app is enabled out of the field with the aforementioned beta software program, I extremely doubt this may be the case with the ultimate launch. It is extra more likely to be hidden behind Developer Choices, just like the way it’s type of buried within the Settings app for Chromebooks.
On the subject of how we might work together with the Pixel Laptop computer, I feel we see a unique, but acquainted method. As a substitute of counting on the Android interface that we have now now, it could ship with Google’s Desktop Mode because the default “launcher.” When indifferent, it could revert again to the normal Pixel Launcher, and would hopefully provide a solution to swap backwards and forwards. It isn’t like that is something new, even from Google.
Samsung DeX presents the identical type of method, however in reverse. Which means that you simply begin out with Android after which can swap to the desktop-like expertise both when attaching a keyboard or tapping a Fast Settings toggle.
ChromeOS tablets just like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 function in a similar way. When the keyboard is linked, you have got the identical interface discovered on another Chromebook that you simply decide up. Take away the keyboard, and also you’re relegated to the App Launcher, with no correct “desktop” to talk of.
With ChromeOS, it isn’t probably the most splendid or gratifying state of affairs, however with Android on the helm, it is no completely different than what we have already got. There could be the query of whether or not we might have the ability to nonetheless use Desktop Mode or floating app home windows when indifferent, or if Google would attempt to maintain the completely different UI experiences separate.
A part of the rationale why I feel that this Pixel Laptop computer may be actual is, once more, because of leaks and rumors. Google has been reportedly engaged on a first-party keyboard and stylus for the reason that authentic Pixel Pill was launched.
Right here we’re greater than two years later, and nothing of the kind has been introduced. On the identical time, we proceed to see rumors and leaks suggesting that Google is engaged on these equipment, and that is even after the Pixel Pill 2 cancellation rumors surfaced.
So why would Google cancel the Pixel Pill 2 simply to proceed investing money and time into the event of equipment? Who is aware of? I assume there’s not less than a bit of bit of fireplace the place the smoke is, however nonetheless not sufficient for me to be totally satisfied.
