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.

Recommended Videos

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

A podcast host and journalist, Peter covers mobile news with Digital Trends and gaming news, reviews, and guides for sites…
Google has a magical new way for you to control your Android phone

You don’t need your hands to control your Android phone anymore. At Google I/O 2024, Google announced Project Gameface for Android, an incredible new accessibility feature that will let users control their devices with head movements and facial gestures.

There are 52 unique facial gestures supported. These include raising your eyebrow, opening your mouth, glancing in a certain direction, looking up, smiling, and more. Each gesture can be mapped to an action like pulling down the notification shade, going back to the previous app, opening the app drawer, or going back to home. Users can customize facial expressions, gesture sizes, cursor speed, and more.

Read more
Google’s new AI features look like my worst nightmare

The Google I/O 2024 keynote was AI-heavy. Very AI-heavy. We all knew it would be, but I went into it hoping the often-exciting company would show me what I really wanted: AI with personality. Alas, once again, the AI on show all did a variation of the same old things, with absolutely no fun, excitement, or joy in it at all.

This was absolutely when Google needed to roll out its very own version of R2-D2 at I/O to fire up our imaginations about AI, given the overload about it recently. But what we got instead was the computer from Star Trek, and oh, how monotonous and uninspiring it was.
Google’s AI life is not my life

Read more
Google Pixel 9: news, rumored price, release date, and more

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are Google's latest and most powerful devices, but it won't be that way for long. Rumors of the Google Pixel 8a mean this pair of flagships will be supplanted as the latest Google phones fairly soon — but they'll be able to hold on to the title of "most powerful" for a little while longer. The Google Pixel 9 range, while definitely on the way, isn't due to arrive any time soon.

But when it does, it's sure to be a pair of blockbusters. Leaks for the Pixel 9 family are a little thin on the ground at the moment, but it seems as if Google is planning on making some big changes this time around. If leaks are correct, we expect a new look and some exciting new AI features that go beyond what we've seen before.

Read more