According to a report from Computerworld, Google was working on two smaller tablets, but, earlier this week, the company decided to drop all work on them. A Google spokesperson confirmed these details. To clarify, Google considers a “tablet” to be a device that has no keyboard or can detach from a keyboard. It does not include devices with swiveling or rotating touchscreen displays.
The two smaller tablets were not very far along in the development process as they didn’t even have codenames yet. We’re not sure if they would have run Android or Chrome OS. Going forward, the focus will be on laptop devices. As for when we might see one of these new Chrome OS laptops, a Google spokesperson said it’s possible the company shows off a Pixelbook product before the end of the year. We’re expecting the Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL later this year, which could be a good time to show off something new.
Current Pixel Slate owners will still receive support and software updates through June 2024. From the outside looking in, nothing has really changed here. Google has just decided to ditch tablets and go all in on laptops. As someone who uses Chrome OS on a device that can convert into a tablet, I’d say that’s a very good idea. It’s worth noting, however, that other OEMs are still more than welcome to make Chrome OS tablets.
Rick Osterloh, the SVP of Devices & Services at Google, confirmed the report in the tweet below.
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
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