When Google launched the Pixel Tablet back in 2023, it did so without releasing the rumored stylus pen and Bluetooth keyboard accessories, but a new rumor suggests there’s a Pixel Tablet relaunch on the way that would be alongside them. For Pixel Tablet owners or those who wanted it but never picked one up, having official pen and keyboard accessories would no doubt be a big deal. Many people use their tablets for taking notes and typing things up especially when they have bigger displays.
But without official options from Google, users were left to check out third-party options. The Pixel Tablet does have USI 2.0 support so it works with stylus pens. And any old Bluetooth keyboard should work. That being said, official accessories from Google would likely be more suitable. Since they would be designed with the Pixel Tablet specifically in mind.
According to @MysteryLupin on X, Google is planning to relaunch the Pixel Tablet this year. It’ll presumably be the same Pixel Tablet, as there’s nothing mentioned regarding hardware changes. But it’s also supposedly coming without the dock that you get with the model that’s currently available. This would in theory make it less expensive. However, there is no pricing mentioned for the tablet at this time.
Pixel Tablet relaunch to happen around May 10
This seems like the sort of thing Google would show off at its upcoming Google I/O conference on May 14. That may still happen, but in terms of a launch and availability, it’s suggested that May 10 is when Google will release the device. Things could change, of course. But it’s close enough to Google’s big dev conference that May 10 seems like a reasonable launch date. Worth noting is that this is the suggested launch date for availability in Europe. Even if the timing is accurate, there’s no telling if Google would relaunch the device in the US at the same time.
That being said, Google has typically released its hardware on the same day globally. So there’s a chance that would happen here too. Without the dock, it’s unclear how users would charge the tablet since the dock acted as its charging base. Google could toss in a charger and a USB-C cable, as that would solve the charging issues. Or it could simply package the charger inside the box. But as mentioned, it’s unknown if this is what Google plans to do.
The pen and keyboard accessories will cost €100 each
This isn’t official pricing from Google but in addition to the relaunch and date, the rumor also mentions pricing of the accessories. Both the pen and keyboard will be €100 each. So you’d be looking at €200 altogether for both. These are rumored to be standalone accessories with no bundle option where they come with the tablet. However, given the tablet relaunch won’t include a dock, it should be less money for the tablet. If it were to launch for somewhere around $350 in the US, it would end up around $550 assuming the pen and keyboard are $100 each when it comes to US pricing. And that’s only $50 more than what the 128GB model of the tablet costs right now.
$100 each for the pen and keyboard might seem like a lot. But consider the pricing of similar accessories from Samsung and Apple. The Galaxy Tab S keyboard cover is $200. While the S Pen is $50. The Apple Pen is $129 and an Apple Magic Keyboard cover is $300. So in comparison, Google’s potential pricing is less expensive. Granted, these may not be the official prices.
2024-04-25 15:08:30