Skip to main content

The Google Pixel Tablet just took a big step closer to release

A render of the front of the Google Pixel Tablet.
Google

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.

The FCC ID listing is, admittedly, extremely vague. It’s listed as a “wireless device,” which is far from official confirmation that it’s for the Pixel Tablet. That said, it’s not a huge leap in logic to infer that the listing, classified as A4RGTU8P, is the Pixel Tablet based on the way that Google devices have been classified in the past.

While a “wireless device” could certainly be for another new Google offering — like a new pair of Pixel Buds Pro — the rest of the description in the FCC database provides a list of all of the compatible network connection options offered on the device, and they all point to it being the tablet.

The listed device supports Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi 6, and UWB, with the first two connection types being ones that the Pixel Tablet is anticipated to support. UWB, or ultra-wideband, is a relatively new network connection option for Google devices that’s only offered on the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro, so seeing it listed in the FCC database for the Pixel Tablet comes as something of a welcome surprise.

If the listed device is the Pixel Tablet, which we have reason to believe that it is, it points directly to the upcoming Google I/O 2023 event as a launch window. There’s been plenty of speculation regarding the timing of the tablet’s launch since it was announced last year, however, with such a major showcase coming so soon after its inevitable FCC approval, all signs point to it launching during the show in May.

It’s still to be seen if that’s the case, but given the steadily increasing rumors surrounding the tablet paired with the news of its FCC filing, it seems more than likely.

Editors' Recommendations

Peter Hunt Szpytek
A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites…
Don’t buy the Pixel Tablet; get this cheaper Android tablet instead
OnePlus Pad with official Stylo pencil stylus on a wooden table.

The market for Android tablets appears to be sinking, but the likes of the Pixel Tablet may have some role in salvaging it. The Pixel Tablet, launched last week -- exactly a year after it was first unveiled -- marks Google's reentry into the tablet segment after almost a decade.

While this development may help bring more manufacturers onto the scene, Google itself feels shy about making big claims about performance and productivity. Instead, the Pixel Tablet is projected as a mere hybrid upgrade to the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.

Read more
4 things I love about the Pixel 7a (and 3 things I hate)
Pixel 7a back.

Google’s new Pixel 7a might be $150 more than its predecessor, but it packs plenty of upgrades for that price. The Pixel 7a has a better camera sensor compared to the Pixel 6a, a 90Hz refresh rate, and the Tensor G2.

This marks the first time I've used a Pixel full-time since the Pixel 3, and as you might expect, I have some thoughts about the Pixel 7a. Here are the four things I like about the Pixel 7a ... plus three things I really can't stand.
Flagship camera in a compact form factor

Read more
Apple, Samsung, and Google could learn a lot from this unique phone
The Huawei P60 Pro held in a person's hand.

Apple, Samsung, and Google could all learn something from Huawei’s latest flagship smartphone, as it’s one of the best-looking, most ergonomic, and tantalizingly unique mobile devices I’ve seen and held in ages.

Above is the Huawei P60 Pro, and the stunning finish is called Rococo Pearl. Here's what makes it special — and why I'd love to see other companies take such care.
A long history of great design

Read more