New Pixel Tablet leaks include images of the Pixel Stand accessory

One of two docks?

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We’re still patiently waiting for thePixel Tablet, the deviceGoogleannounced in May 2022 and which is scheduled to launch this year – but a new pair of leaks give us a better idea of what to expect when the device finally does appear.

First of all, Twitter tipsterSnoopyTechhas posted images of what is supposedly the Google Pixel Tablet Stand, a docking station for the new tablet that will essentially turn it into aGoogle Nest Hub Maxwhen you’re not carrying it around.

Google has previously mentioned something called a Charging Speaker Dock to do this job, but therehas been talkthat two docks are in development – one with a speaker and one without. It’s not clear which one this is.

Google Pixel Tablet Stand pic.twitter.com/YFH6tf9ooBMarch 23, 2023

Hello to Hub Mode

Then we also have some updates from9to5Google: the team there has been digging into the code into the Google Home app, and some snippets mentioning the Pixel Tablet are already appearing ahead of the launch of the tablet.

Apparently the Pixel tablet will go into what’s called a “Hub Mode” when it’s placed on a dock. That mode is going to enable it to receive content beamed over the Google Cast standard, just like a Chromecast dongle does.

Again, there’s a mention of two different docks here. It seems as though these docks will work a lot like smart speakers such as theGoogle Nest Mini, though there may be some limitations in terms of what you can do with them.

Analysis: following Amazon’s lead

If the idea of a tablet that you can turn into a smart display sounds familiar, it’s becauseAmazonhas already done it – note that tablets such as theAmazon Fire HD 10can work in something called Show Mode, essentially turning them into an Echo Show.

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In other words, you can call out Alexa commands and have the responses appear on the tablet, as would happen on something like the Echo Show 10. There are also official charging docks for the Fire HD tablets that further blur the lines between the products.

It’s a move that makes a lot of sense, because you’re not always going to be carrying your tablet around. Put it on its dock, and not only can it be charging, it can also listen out for and respond to your voice commands – just like one of thebest smart displays.

We can also expect something similar fromApplein the not-too-distant future. TheHomePod 2has now been launched, andthe rumor isthat the next smart speaker from Apple is going to come with an iPad-like display attached.

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

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