Google cancels Pixel Tablet 2 amid profit concerns and Android 16 aims to supercharge Gemini’s app control

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.