Google reportedly set to add another product line to its graveyard

Update 22/11/24 05:45 pm (IST): Welp! A fresh report from Android Authority claims that it’s not the Pixel Tablet 3 that’s getting axed, it’s the Pixel Tablet 2. Contrary to earlier rumors that suggested the termination of the Pixel Tablet 3, it’s now confirmed that the device codenamed “kiyomi” was actually the Pixel Tablet 2.

This tablet was anticipated to feature a Tensor G4 chip, similar to the Pixel 9 series, and was in development with both Wi-Fi and 5G variants, along with a new keyboard accessory to enhance productivity. The future of the Pixel Tablet series remains uncertain, with no clear indication yet on whether Google will continue with the planned Pixel Tablet 3.

Original article published on November 21, 2024, follows:

Google’s tablet saga might be coming to an end—again. According to an exclusive report by Android Headlines, the tech giant has canceled the development of the Pixel Tablet 3, code-named “Kiyomi.” This marks yet another abrupt pivot in Google’s inconsistent tablet strategy, leaving users and fans scratching their heads.

The news is hardly surprising. Google initially bowed out of the tablet market in 2019 after its Pixel Slate failed to make a dent. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Pixel Tablet was teased in 2022 and finally launched in 2023. It promised to reinvigorate Google’s presence in the tablet space but ended up feeling more like an experiment than a serious contender.

Now, with the Pixel Tablet 3 officially shelved, Google appears to be backing away from tablets again. Teams assigned to the project have reportedly been reassigned to other initiatives, signaling a significant shift in the company’s hardware priorities.

What went wrong?

The Pixel Tablet faced criticism for its lackluster design and middling performance. Its only standout feature was the bundled speaker dock, which transformed it into a smart home hub — a clever but niche use case. While the tablet was priced competitively compared to premium offerings like the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, it never achieved the kind of success that could justify further investment.

Canceling the Pixel Tablet 3 also raises questions about the Pixel Tablet 2, expected to launch in 2025. Without a clear commitment to the tablet lineup, the Pixel Tablet 2 risks being labeled a “lame duck” before it even hits store shelves.

Google’s crowded graveyard

The Pixel Tablet 3 isn’t the only casualty of Google’s recent decision-making. The company has a long history of launching and abandoning projects. Earlier this year, it pulled the plug on Google Podcasts, encouraging users to switch to YouTube Music instead. Google Stadia, its ambitious cloud gaming platform, was discontinued in early 2023 after struggling to gain traction.

Then there’s Google Currents, Hangouts, and the much-maligned Inbox by Gmail — each ended abruptly, leaving users scrambling for alternatives. There’s a whole website dedicated to tracking all the products and services that are killed by Google.

What’s next for tablets?

While this news may disappoint fans, it doesn’t mean Google is entirely done with tablets. The Android team continues to develop software tailored for larger screens, benefiting tablets from other manufacturers and foldables. However, without its own flagship device to showcase these features, Google risks falling further behind competitors like Apple and Samsung, who dominate the tablet market.

For now, Google seems more focused on refining its core products, like Pixel smartphones and its AI-driven software ecosystem. It’s safe to say, though, that another tombstone has been added to Google’s ever-growing product graveyard.