But while Google’s productivity apps for Android, including Docs and Sheets, are surprisingly capable, the difficulty of working between multiple apps under Android is a sticking point that makes Google’s tablet/laptop hybrid less functional than it might otherwise be.
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The new Pixel C tablet from Google is priced at $499 for the 32 GB version.
You will also be glad to know that the Pixel C is on a regular update path, and some features may be coming down the line, like multiwindow support which the table desperately needs, an “OK Google” hotword to wake the device from sleep, and possibly DisplayPort support over USB Type-C.
Google has already been working to improve user experience across Android devices.
According to Venture Beat, the Pixel C tablet goes head to head with the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro. The separate keyboard, connected via Bluetooth, attaches magnetically to the tablet, enabling the screen to be propped up at any angle while in use. When the keyboard isn’t needed, it tucks behind the tablet with magnets so it’s close by when needed. The Pixel C is powered by the newer Nvidia Tegra X1 processor with 3 GB of RAM and Maxwell Graphics onboard. There’s no split screen either (which was available in some of the Android M developer previews over the summer) and that’s also a downer for the Pixel C.
Unlike other devices, the Pixel C is designed and built wholly by Google. That actually makes a whole lot of sense, you see the Pixel team has only made Chrome OS devices, namely the two Chromebook Pixels. In response, Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president for Android, Chromecast and Chrome OS, posted a photo of a Pixel C in an airport security bin with the comment, “TSA approves!”
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However, in its review – published just after Google’s announcement in September – Ars Technica called the Pixel C “well-built but clunky”. It seems pretty obvious that Google will be working on better multitasking options for larger screens, and there is a chance we’ll see something similar to Windows Continuum start to take shape if DisplayPort support comes with Android N. “Will be testing for y’all on the flight”.
