We’re tentatively hoping to learn more about the Google Pixel tablet at Google’s product launch event tomorrow, but thanks to a less intentional reveal from Google, we may have learned something new about the upcoming tablet.
An accidentally released “dogfood” version (internal test) of Google Home was distributed to certain users as a regular app update (via Android Police (opens in new tab)), complete with a warning that this is a confidential build not for public use. Thankfully, the app’s APK file was copied before it was dragged, which Android experts made possible Mishaal Rahman (opens in new tab) to examine the code for the app in detail.
While it’s fun to get an early look at Google’s redesigned user interface (which was officially announced yesterday), the part that interests us for now is the Set Up Dock feature that Rahman spotted. The mention of a tablet in the setup flow and the lack of tablets currently on the market with dedicated docks make it sound a lot like an accessory for the Pixel tablet. The tablet also had visible metal pins on the back during the Google I/O preview, suggesting accessories of some sort, and a dock would certainly fit.
There is a setup flow for what is believed to be the Pixel tablet’s dock. There are codenames for two docks in the app: korlan and yuzu. pic.twitter.com/QsRqmW2iD4October 5, 2022
The references to “dimming the lights with your voice” and “enjoying hands-free control” also suggest that Google intends its Pixel tablet to function as both a mobile Nest hub and a regular tablet. That gives it a distinct advantage over the iPad family for smart home fanatics, as Apple removes the ability to use iPads as HomeKit hubs in iPadOS 16.
The other notable thing about the prematurely launched Google Home app is that you can now add Matter devices that use the new unified smart home standard that Google, Apple, Amazon, and other smart home companies have jointly developed. There aren’t any specific Matter-compatible devices on sale yet, but many of the best smart home devices will work with Matter and therefore be controllable through this new Google Home app.
If we’re lucky, Google will confirm this Pixel tablet feature and others at today’s Google event in October. We know that this presentation will mainly focus on the Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Watch, but we hope Google has time to tell us more about its new tablet and maybe even the long-rumored Google Pixel Fold .
