Are you curious about what Google has in store for us? Let's dive into the potential future of the Pixel brand, focusing on two intriguing possibilities: a smart ring and a new Pixel Tablet. Recently, there's been a clear demand for specific Google products, and it seems the Pixel brand is currently in a more cautious phase.
Pixel Ring: A Subtle Step Forward?
One key indicator of whether a smart ring is in the cards could be the release of a new Fitbit Inspire. New Fitbit products are expected this year. My main suspicion is that the operating system (Fitbit OS) that powers the Sense 2 and Versa 4 smartwatches is on its way out. If Fitbit launches another wearable with a larger screen, it will likely run on Wear OS to conserve resources.
Inspire 3 vs. Charge 6: What's the Difference?
Trackers typically run a lighter OS. The hypothetical Inspire 4 would be the cheapest device (around $100) to access Fitbit Coach. Google arguably needs that, and I don't see them discontinuing the popular Charge lineup. The Charge 6 boasts smartwatch features like Google Wallet, Google Maps, and YouTube Music controls, while the Inspire 3 only offers basic notifications.
Here's where it gets controversial: Does Google want to create Fitbit products that don't have any other first-party tie-ins in the current market? If a Charge 7 is the only new Fitbit product this year and it continues those integrations, the answer is no. If there's no Inspire, Google might consider dropping the price of a new Charge below $150.
Smart rings excel at collecting heart rate data when you're at rest and other passive measurements, such as sleep tracking. Watches are better at tracking steps and other exercise. The fact that rings aren't as well-rounded to capture everything in your day gives me pause.
That said, people are savvy enough to maintain multiple devices as their day progresses. (Google, please re-add simultaneous device support in the Fitbit app.) I don’t mind wearing a watch to sleep, but the subtlety of a ring would be nice.
In terms of other smarts, there could be features like double-pinch to take a photo/video and dismiss alarms, like on Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. Using those gestures in conjunction with smart glasses could also be interesting for voice and hands-free control.
Finally, I hope Google makes a cool charging case (that can power up via Qi2) for a ring rather than offering a dock.
Pixel Tablet: A Simpler Approach?
I don’t think Google is making another Pixel Tablet that’s primarily a content-consumption device anytime soon. (The next large-screen device that happens to have a touchscreen is presumably a desktop Android laptop that might be a 2-in-1 rather than detachable.)
With the 2023 Pixel Tablet, Google saw the Charging Speaker Dock as the differentiator to have it double as a modern Smart Display. I do believe that Google was planning a second selling point with a keyboard and pen that would boost the Pixel Tablet’s bona fides, especially following work to update Workspace apps for the large-screen form factor.
And this is the part most people miss: I use my Pixel Tablet as a bedside Smart Display that tells the time and lets me control Google Home. However, in public/common areas, I still use the Google Home Max. At the end of the day, I think Google’s premise was wrong. Smart Displays are best served by being cheap and persistent.
If Google were to try again, there should be no differentiator. Something that matches the base $349 iPad or slightly undercuts it would probably be enough.
The design of today’s Pixel Tablet is fine, while removing the contacts on the back and the stronger magnets for the dock would surely help reduce the price.
The Pixel software experience on large screens has been pushed by the existence of the Fold, while Android tablet apps (especially Google’s) are in a pretty good place.
Google really shouldn’t be averse to a simpler Pixel Tablet.
What are your thoughts? Do you think a Pixel Ring is a good idea? Would you prefer a more affordable Pixel Tablet? Share your opinions in the comments below!
