Google launched its first tablet, the Pixel Tablet, at its annual developer conference, I/O 2023, held last month. The tablet is currently available to users in markets such as the United States. The tech giant offers a $129 charging speaker stand that comes with the tablet. Linked to the dock, the latest Android tablet clones the Nest Hub. Users can also remove the Tensor G2-enabled tablet from the docking station and use it as a regular tablet. However, the Pixel tablet falls behind the competition in areas like productivity, as the company doesn’t offer accessories (like a keyboard or stylus) like the recently launched OnePlus Pad or Xiaomi Pad 6. According to a report from Android Authority, Google is currently preparing to release the official keyboard and stylus for Pixel tablets.
Google app code reveals Pixel tablet stylus and keyboard existence
Last month, tipper Kamila Wojciechowska took to Twitter to hint at potential accessories for the newly launched tablet. Now, a developer has found similar evidence in a Google app.
While reviewing the Pixel Factory images, a developer discovered a URL that leads to the latest version of Pixel’s commercial demo app. This application is used to lock display devices in retail stores and showcase the various features of the device on which it is running. In the latest version of the Retail Beta app, filename strings with “Pixel Tablet Keyboard” and “Pixel Tablet Pen” were detected.
However, the app does not include any images of either accessory. The app also doesn’t mention other details like pricing. However, the existence of these chains found in an official Google app suggests that the company has developed accessories and may soon introduce them in retail stores. Additionally, Google has shared other clues to confirm the existence of official accessories for the Pixel tablet. The device’s official product page states that the Pixel tablet “will support the USI 2.0 stylus.” Google also improved stylus support in Android 14.
In addition, the company has also made a number of improvements aimed at the physical keyboard in Android 14. This includes increasing the number of hotkeys, introducing new trackpad gestures, remapping modifier keys, backlit support, etc. However, Google has yet to officially confirm whether these improvements are intended to support the “Pixel Tablet Keyboard”. Additionally, the company has made improvements to Android’s upcoming desktop mode redesign. In this case, having a physical keyboard makes multitasking a lot easier.
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