Google has not had the best track record with tablets, and the latest reports show the company has nixed the Pixel Tablet lineup once again. Rumors say the second generation Pixel Tablet, codenamed “Kiyomi,” has been abandoned. It arrived before the device had even gotten into advanced development stages.
According to sources, the Pixel Tablet 2 was canceled by Google, because of predicted poor sales performance. It was also working on integrating Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity into the device, along with its latest Tensor G4 processor. However, Google chose to disperse their development team onto other projects.
More interestingly, this is not the first time Google has bailed on the tablet market. In 2019, the company dumped tablet development when the Pixel Slate drew backlash. Further tablets of two other projects were called off at that time as well.
Confusion Surrounding Pixel Tablet 3 Rumors
The Pixel Tablet 2 cancellation is now well known, but there is also a rumored Pixel Tablet 3. The third-generation device was referred to in some reports as “Kiyomi.” Industry insiders, however, noted the Pixel Tablet 3 had not yet taken shape beyond an idea.
The rumors of a second USB-C port and external display support on the third-generation tablet only adds to the confusion. If these features had been in place, it would have been more computer-like.
A Market Dominated by Apple and Emerging Rivals
Google has struggled to compete with Apple in the tablet market. The iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad lineup remains unrivaled, especially in terms of sales and third-party app support. However, Android still lacks apps specifically made for tablets.
Other Android manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO have done quite well with tablets like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The rise of Android tablets again raises questions over Google’s inability to hold a grip on this market.
The Role of Nest Devices in Google’s Strategy
Now, with the cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 2, it is being suggested that Google could transfer its large screen ambitions within the Nest division. One day, the Nest Hub and the Nest Hub Max could step in to handle some of the tablet’s outsourced duties.
This pivot is a logical one considering that Google has always been about its devices fitting into smart home ecosystems. The original Pixel Tablet, which came with a speaker dock and served as a home hub, hinted that this strategic direction.
Uncertain Future for Google’s Tablets
Next up was the Pixel Tablet 2, which we expected to launch next year with a design similar to its predecessor and an attached keyboard accessory. However, beyond ruining Google’s tablet ambitions, this cancellation also considers the loyal customers of this company who wonder if they are not leaving this category.
As the dust settles, the question remains: Will Google return to the tablet market in the future or should we mark this as the end of the Pixel Tablet journey? It remains to be seen whether the company will be able to recover its footing against rivals, which are gaining increasing top ground in their sector.