Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A supply tells Android Authority that Google is engaged on the Pixel Pill 2 and that this time the corporate may launch a keyboard case.
- We have been additionally advised the Pixel Pill 2 can have a brand new digicam and upgraded Tensor chip.
- Google launched the primary Pixel Pill final yr with the Tensor G2 chip alongside a charging speaker dock, however no official keyboard or stylus equipment.
Most of the finest Android tablets available on the market are wonderful media consumption gadgets, however just a few of them are additionally nice for productiveness. The Google Pixel Pill, for instance, is nice at media consumption like many different tablets, however its use as a piece instrument is restricted attributable to its lack of productivity-focused software program options and enter equipment. The previous is one thing that Google has already been addressing through software program updates, and the latter is one thing the corporate can appropriate by releasing its personal first-party enter equipment. It appears Google is trying to do exactly that with its second-generation Pixel Pill.
You’re studying an Authority Insights story. Uncover Authority Insights for extra unique reviews, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech protection you gained’t discover wherever else.
It’s been nearly a yr and a half since Google introduced the first-generation Pixel Pill, however the one factor we’ve heard to date in regards to the Pixel Pill 2 is its potential code title. That’s as a result of the pill remains to be many months away from launching, so it is smart that little info is out there on it. Because of a supply inside Google, although, we’ve discovered some key particulars in regards to the Pixel Pill 2.
Initially, our supply tells us that the Pixel Pill 2 can have a more moderen digicam. The unique Pixel Pill had an 8MP (ƒ/2.0, 1/4-inch sensor, 1.12μm, 84-degree FoV) digicam on each the entrance and the again. We don’t know precisely how the digicam on the Pixel Pill 2 will likely be higher, simply that it’s been modified. It nonetheless most likely gained’t be something price writing dwelling about, however it’ll hopefully have higher processing and provide some new digicam options.
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
The rear digicam of the first-generation Pixel Pill
Extra importantly, we discovered that the Pixel Pill 2 will likely be powered by a more moderen system-on-chip. That shouldn’t come as a shock because the Tensor G2 chip within the unique Pixel Pill is sort of outdated at this level, however what we aren’t positive of is whether or not the Pixel Pill 2 will run the present Tensor G4 or the upcoming Tensor G5 chip. Fellow Android Authority contributor Kamila Wojciechowska shared proof that the Pixel Pill 3 will likely be launched in 2027 with a less expensive model of the Tensor G6, so I’m leaning in direction of Google utilizing the Tensor G4 within the Pixel Pill 2.
No matter whether or not the Pixel Pill 2 makes use of the Tensor G4 or the Tensor G5, it’ll nonetheless be an enormous improve over the Pixel Pill. Each chips won’t solely allow the Pixel Pill 2 to help 7 years of updates but additionally enable it to help show output, a win for productiveness both method.
Talking of productiveness, our supply tells us that Google is at present prototyping the Pixel Pill 2 with a keyboard cowl. We’re advised that the keyboard cowl docks onto the pill through the pogo pins on the rear and that it additionally folds to prop up the pill. It’s a reasonably easy accent, just like ones that you just’ll discover offered with different tablets just like the OnePlus Pad 2. There was robust proof that Google was engaged on stylus and keyboard equipment for the unique Pixel Pill, however clearly the corporate by no means ended up releasing them. After I requested why, my supply relayed that Google scrapped the equipment over high quality considerations.
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority
The OnePlus Pad 2 with its keyboard cowl and stylus
I additionally suppose Google’s Android software program simply wasn’t prepared for keyboard and stylus enter when the unique Pixel Pill launched, however Android right this moment has a lot better help for these enter strategies. Because the Pixel Pill’s launch, we’ve seen Google work on options like desktop windowing help, new keyboard accessibility choices, a brand new touchpad tutorial, a brand new touchpad gesture, a revamped keyboard shortcut menu, help for updating the firmware of related keyboards and styluses, stylus handwriting help in Gboard, and way more. Plus, relying on when the Pixel Pill 2 releases, it might run both the second quarterly platform launch of Android 15 or maybe Android 16 out of the field, which might ship much more options we haven’t seen but.
Our supply additionally tells us the overall design of the Pixel Pill 2 gained’t be that totally different from the unique Pixel Pill. Apparently, early prototypes of the Pixel Pill 2 have a couple of of the parts somewhere else, such because the digicam and energy button being on the left, the quantity rocker on the highest left, and the third microphone gap is beside the digicam as an alternative of on the precise facet. The highest and backside bezels is perhaps barely smaller, as properly.
There are nonetheless loads of particulars in regards to the Pixel Pill 2 we don’t know but. As an illustration, will there be an official stylus accent along with the keyboard? What are its full {hardware} specs? What’s going to its value be, and can the equipment be bundled with it? We’ll hopefully study extra in regards to the Pixel Pill 2 forward of its presumed 2025 launch.