Skip to main content

Google cancels upcoming Pixel Slate, abandons plans for future Chrome OS tablets

Google Pixel Slate Hands-on
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Google has officially given up on the idea of making any more tablets like the Pixel Slate, and has canceled development of two unreleased tablets.

According to reports from Business Insider and Computer World, Google has ceased production of two new Pixel Slate-style tablets that were set to launch sometime in 2019, and does not plan to release any new tablet-format Chrome OS devices, ending the chances of a Pixel Slate 2 in the near future. These reports were then confirmed on Twitter by Google’s own head of hardware, Rick Osterloh.

Hey, it's true…Google's HARDWARE team will be solely focused on building laptops moving forward, but make no mistake, Android & Chrome OS teams are 100% committed for the long-run on working with our partners on tablets for all segments of the market (consumer, enterprise, edu)

— Rick Osterloh (@rosterloh) June 20, 2019

To be clear, this cancellation does not include the development of Google’s Pixelbook convertible, and it seems as though Google’s Chrome OS efforts will now be focused on Chromebooks. In fact, according to The Verge, many employees working on Chrome OS tablets have been shunted over to the Pixelbook team. Thankfully for owners of the Pixel Slate, this announcement does not mean the end of software support for Google’s tablet. Google has been clear development of updates for the Pixel Slate will continue, with Google promising regular software updates all the way until June 2024.

Also, this cessation only applies to Google’s own physical hardware, and it won’t directly affect any manufacturers currently working on a Chrome OS-based tablet. As Rick makes clear in his tweet, Google will still be working on improving the tablet experience on Chrome OS and supporting those companies who have already released such tablets — Acer and HP being among those who have. However, Google abandoning Chrome OS tablet plans is sure to put some manufacturers off backing the still-nascent OS in future tablets. After all, why should a third-party manufacturer have confidence in Chrome OS on a tablet when Google itself clearly does not? Only time will tell, but Google’s own hesitance may spell the end of Chrome OS as a tablet platform.

For the record, we liked the Pixel Slate and rated its beautiful display, great speakers, and long-lasting battery life. Unfortunately, though, solid hardware was let down by the Chrome OS software. A high price tag that put it in direct competition with the better known Microsoft Surface and Apple iPad Pro is also likely to have not helped.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
Google Pixel Watch 2 may launch a lot sooner than we thought
Google Assistant listening on the Google Pixel Watch.

We're expecting a lot of Google Pixel hardware in 2023, and according to one new report, one of Google's upcoming releases this year is the Pixel Watch 2.

A report from 9to5Google on May 5 cites a "source" that claims the Google Pixel Watch 2 will be released later this fall alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Given Google's past Pixel smartphone releases, that means we'll likely see the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 series debut in early October.
We could see the Pixel Watch 2 next week

Read more
The Google Pixel Tablet just took a big step closer to release
The Google Pixel Table and the Speaker Dock seen from the back.

It's inevitable that we'll be seeing the launch of the Google Pixel Tablet at some point later this year, but a new piece of information suggests that we'll be seeing it sooner rather than later.

First spotted by 9to5Google, the upcoming tablet has seemingly finally been submitted for approval from the FCC. While getting FCC approval is an extremely standard part of putting devices on store shelves, the fact that it's finally happening for the Pixel Tablet means that Google is beginning to gear up for its launch.

Read more
Someone’s selling a Google Pixel Tablet months before its release date
The Google Pixel Table and the Speaker Dock.

2023 will see Google launch its first Pixel-branded tablet in years, but the device has already shown up on the Facebook Marketplace — complete with its docking station. The Pixel Tablet is being priced at $400, and it's likely to be a prototype if it's as real as it appears.

While the company had sworn off making tablets and Chromebooks of its own, a shift in the winds and the rise of foldables mean that Google wanted an affordable flagship tablet of its own to push its large screen vision, hence the Pixel Tablet. It's no iPad, sporting a plain and utilitarian design, and the docking station means it can even take the place of a Nest Hub.

Read more