Google Drops Pixel Tablet 2 Plans Over Profitability Issues

Google has reportedly decided to cancel the Pixel Tablet 2, originally slated for release in 2025, due to concerns about its financial viability. The original Pixel Tablet, launched in 2023, was expected to have a successor, with rumors even hinting at plans for a third-generation device (codenamed “Kiyomi”) targeted for 2027.

What Could Have Been: Pixel Tablet 2 Features

The Pixel Tablet 2 was in its early development phase. It was rumored to feature thinner bezels and a first-party keyboard cover with a built-in touchpad, offering enhanced functionality. A 5G variant was also reportedly in the works. However, internal evaluations suggested the product might struggle to achieve profitability, leading Google to halt the project.

Despite the setback, there is no indication that Google has entirely abandoned large-screen devices. Reports suggest that work on a Tensor G6-powered Pixel Tablet for 2027 might still be in progress. Owners of the current Pixel Tablet can rest assured that their devices will continue receiving software updates.

Android’s Commitment to Large Screens

Google remains invested in optimizing Android for large-screen devices, including tablets and foldables. Features like desktop-style windowing, expected to roll out in Android 15 QPR1 this December, signal ongoing development for better multitasking and productivity on bigger displays.

Additionally, Google’s rumored efforts to unify ChromeOS and Android could enhance large-screen support by enabling seamless desktop-level interactions on Android devices.

Android 16 and Gemini: The Future of App Control

Google is betting heavily on its AI-driven Gemini chatbot, aiming to integrate it deeply across its ecosystem. Currently, Gemini serves as the default assistant for many devices, but its ability to control Android apps has been limited. This could change significantly with the release of Android 16, which introduces a new framework designed to let services like Gemini perform tasks directly within apps.

Gemini Extensions and Their Limitations

At present, Gemini Extensions allow the AI to interact with external services like Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Workspace. These extensions pull data from backend APIs but don’t enable direct control over Android apps. For instance, Gemini can fetch flight details using Google Flights but cannot navigate or book flights directly within the app interface.

While extensions like “Utilities” offer basic control through predefined actions, they lack scalability. Many apps don’t provide public APIs, and relying on screen reading or accessibility inputs would result in inconsistent performance.

Android 16’s Game-Changing API: “App Functions”

Android 16 addresses these challenges with a new feature called “app functions.” According to Google’s developer documentation, app functions are specific pieces of functionality that apps expose to the system. For example, a food delivery app might create an app function labeled “orderFood,” which Gemini could use to initiate an order.

This functionality works by defining app-specific services accessible only to system-level processes. Permissions like EXECUTE_APP_FUNCTIONS and EXECUTE_APP_FUNCTIONS_TRUSTED regulate access, ensuring security and reliability. While these permissions are currently limited to system apps like the Google App and Android System Intelligence, they allow AI systems like Gemini to perform actions inside third-party apps.

A Leap Beyond Google Assistant

The app functions framework could enable Gemini to achieve what Google Assistant never fully managed: seamless multitasking across apps. Imagine using natural language to control apps, schedule tasks, or complete complex workflows. For example, users might book a hotel, order food, or respond to messages—all through voice commands or conversational inputs.

This vision aligns with Google’s 2019 promise of a “new Google Assistant” capable of orchestrating tasks across multiple apps. Android 16’s innovations could finally make this vision a reality, transforming Gemini into a versatile AI agent for Android devices.

Challenges and Adoption

The success of this system will depend heavily on developer adoption. App developers will need to implement app functions to unlock Gemini’s full potential. If widely embraced, this feature could redefine how users interact with Android apps, making AI-driven multitasking and app control a central part of the Android experience.

Conclusion

While the cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 2 marks a step back for Google’s hardware ambitions, the advancements in Android 16 signal exciting possibilities for the future. By empowering Gemini with robust app control capabilities, Google is paving the way for smarter, more intuitive interactions with Android devices. The coming years could see AI becoming an indispensable part of how we use smartphones and tablets.

Android 16 is already making waves with its first developer preview (DP1), introducing two notable features that improve privacy and usability: automatic hiding of sensitive notifications on the lock screen and seamless integration of screen dimming functionality into the brightness bar. These updates aim to enhance user experience while prioritizing data security and convenience.

Protecting Sensitive Notifications on the Lock Screen

Lock screen notifications offer quick access to updates, but they can expose sensitive information to prying eyes, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Android 16 tackles this issue by automatically hiding the contents of sensitive notifications, particularly those containing one-time passwords (OTPs) and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

In Android 16 DP1, notifications deemed “sensitive” by the Android System Intelligence service are automatically redacted on the lock screen, regardless of your notification settings. While users can still control how notifications are displayed—choosing to hide titles, summaries, or all notification content—this feature ensures that sensitive information is protected by default.

This builds on privacy enhancements introduced in Android 15, where untrusted apps were blocked from accessing sensitive notifications, even with notification-reading permissions. Android 16 takes it a step further by ensuring these notifications are redacted on the lock screen itself, safeguarding your data from potential breaches.

Evolving Lock Screen Notification Settings

The updated lock screen notification settings in Android 16 provide flexible options:

• Sensitive Notifications Setting: Allows you to hide titles and summaries for all notifications, while still displaying app icons.
• Lock Screen Notification Control: Lets you choose to show all, hide specific categories like conversations, or hide all notifications entirely.

However, many users stick to default settings, which display full notification content. Android 16 ensures that even in this default mode, sensitive OTP notifications remain hidden, preventing accidental exposure.

Even Dimmer: A Smarter Screen Dimming Solution

Alongside privacy enhancements, Android 16 DP1 introduces “Even Dimmer,” a more integrated version of the existing Extra Dim mode. This feature simplifies the process of reducing screen brightness for comfortable viewing in low-light conditions.

Previously, the Extra Dim feature had to be activated manually via Settings > Accessibility or through a Quick Settings tile. While effective, it required extra steps and could easily be forgotten. With Even Dimmer, the functionality is embedded directly into the brightness bar. Sliding the bar to its lowest point now triggers an additional dimming layer, making it intuitive and accessible.

Why Even Dimmer is a Game-Changer

• Seamless Integration: Even Dimmer removes the need for separate toggles, blending directly into everyday brightness adjustments.
• Quick Deactivation: Simply increasing the brightness disables the feature, reducing the chance of accidentally leaving it on.
• Eliminates Redundancy: The Extra Dim feature will be removed once Even Dimmer is fully rolled out, simplifying the interface further.

Availability and Device-Specific Rollout

Curiously, Even Dimmer is not universally available across all Pixel devices running Android 16 DP1. For now, it seems limited to the base Pixel 9, where the feature is enabled through a device-specific framework overlay. Other Pixel models, including the Pixel 6, 8, and 8a, lack this feature in the current preview.

Google may expand availability in future updates or adjust the rollout based on testing and feedback. However, this selective activation suggests it might be fine-tuning the feature for broader compatibility.

What to Expect from Android 16

While Android 16 is still in its early stages, the inclusion of these features reflects Google’s focus on balancing usability with security. The automatic hiding of sensitive notifications and the streamlined dimming functionality highlight the platform’s evolution toward a smarter, more user-centric design.

As Google refines these features in upcoming developer previews, Android users can look forward to a safer and more convenient experience in the final release. Whether it’s protecting your private data or making your screen easier on the eyes, Android 16 sets a new standard for mobile operating systems.

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Google is pushing forward with a bold strategy to unify its platforms and strengthen its hardware offerings. This includes replacing Chrome OS with Android as a desktop operating system, introducing a Pixel laptop, and refining user experiences on Google TV. These steps highlight Google’s efforts to compete in markets dominated by industry leaders and improve its ecosystem for users.

Google’s Transition: Android to Replace Chrome OS

Google has faced challenges in the tablet market, particularly against Apple’s iPad. To address this, the company is embarking on a long-term project to integrate Android into Chrome OS, aiming to create a unified operating system for desktops and tablets. This plan builds on Google’s earlier announcement in June, where it revealed that Chrome OS would incorporate parts of Android’s technology stack.

The shift to Android as a desktop platform would streamline development, enabling faster feature rollouts and better app compatibility across devices. Historically, Android was designed for digital cameras but has since expanded to smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. Brands like Lenovo, HP, and Dell have already experimented with Android-powered laptops, signaling a growing trend. Google is now stepping up to deliver its solution.

Google Pixel Laptop: A Game-Changer in Development

A significant piece of this strategy is the rumored Google Pixel Laptop, reportedly in development under the codename “Snowy.” This high-end device is being tested against premium competitors such as Apple’s MacBook Pro, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop, and Dell’s XPS series. While specific details about the operating system remain unclear, industry reports strongly suggest it will run Android rather than Chrome OS.

The Pixel Laptop aims to address key challenges, including the lack of optimized apps for tablets and larger screens. By unifying its engineering teams and focusing on Android, Google hopes to close the gap with Apple’s iPad and create a seamless experience across its devices. However, this project is unlikely to launch before 2026, reflecting the complexity of the endeavor.

Google TV Users Voice Concerns About Ads

In another area of its ecosystem, Google is seeking feedback from users on their experience with ads on the Google TV home screen. The platform currently displays content recommendations, recently viewed items, and featured apps, interspersed with ads. While Google has traditionally limited these ads to streaming content, some users have reported seeing ads for games, physical products, and autoplaying videos.

To address these concerns, Google has begun surveying users with questions like, “Do you find the number of ads on the Google TV home screen acceptable?” Options range from “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree.” This indicates that user complaints about intrusive ads have reached the company, prompting action to refine the ad experience. Maintaining a user-friendly interface is critical, especially as Google TV expands its role as a smart home hub.

Reviving the Pixel Name in Laptops

Google’s Pixel branding, first introduced with the Chromebook Pixel in 2013, remains a cornerstone of its device lineup. Although the Chromebook Pixel was discontinued in 2017, the Pixel name lives on through smartphones and tablets. The upcoming Pixel Laptop marks Google’s return to laptops under this iconic brand, signaling its ambition to capture a slice of the premium laptop market.

A Unified Ecosystem on the Horizon

Google’s plans to integrate Android into Chrome OS, develop a flagship Pixel laptop, and address user concerns on Google TV all reflect a broader strategy to enhance its ecosystem. By unifying platforms and refining user experiences, Google aims to compete more effectively with industry giants like Apple and Microsoft. While these initiatives will take years to materialize, they demonstrate Google’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.