Google introduced its new Android tablet – the Pixel C – at an event in September. It’s the first tablet completely designed and made by Google and is essentially the company’s answer to Apple’s iPad Pro.
Google announced that the device is available for sale starting today.
The Pixel C runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and was designed for both work and personal experiences with a detachable (and optional) keyboard that connects seamlessly via Bluetooth.
According to Google, the device is built to receive the latest software and security updates directly from the company every four weeks. Marshmallow features include Now on Tap, “OK Google” voice searches/actions (including note taking and alarm setting), and new app permissions.
Google designed the tablet and the keyboard together and it shows. It’s magnetic and has no latches or hooks. When it’s magnetically attached, it works instantly (provided you have Bluetooth enabled), and when it’s detached, an onscreen keyboard is readily available. The keyboard also charges automatically when you snap it to the tablet.
The 10.2″ display is gorgeous at 308 ppi (over 4 million pixels). The brightness reaches 500 nits and Google designed it with low temperature PolySilicon for low power consumption.
The battery life, by the way, is great (over 10 hours) and is easily seen without turning turning the screen on as there’s a lightbar that shows you how much power you have when you give it a double tap.
It also charges quickly with a charger that you can also use for your phone or Chromebook Pixel. The tablet has a USB Type-C port.
Specs are as follows:
There is a lack of multi-tasking, multi-window support, which put some people off, but that’s likely to come in an eventual software update.
I can honestly say that without question, the Pixel C is the best tablet experience I’ve ever had. Granted, I am already a regular Android user. Still, when it comes to work (as a writer/web reporter), I’d be more apt to reach for a Chromebook, but this is really just a matter of preference. I just prefer a trackpad to a touch screen when it comes to work. The multi-tasking would help too. That said, this is likely the tablet I would grab if I were going to use one for my job on a regular basis.
For watching videos, whether it be YouTube, Netflix, or otherwise, the Pixel C is fantastic with its excellent picture quality. Obviously this will vary by video as with any other device, but for high quality videos, it’s excellent.
The Pixel C is also ideal for family use. It’s heavy duty and the keyboard will help kids in the typing department in a way that tablets without keyboards just can’t. The ease at which the keyboard attaches and detaches should be encouragement to use it with frequency as necessary. This should help young ones develop the critical skill.
If an Android tablet is what you seek, I don’t think you’ll do much better than the Pixel C.