I love tablets, and I'm no tablet snob: I'm as happy recommending cheap Fire HD tablets as I am singing the praises of an iPad Air or iPad Pro. But I've never been a fan of Android tablets, despite the best efforts of the Lenovos and Samsungs of this world. It's not them; it's Google. For years now, Android on tablets has just considered them as big phones, and for me that means the best tablets are ones that either don't run Android at all or heavily modify it.
That's changing, though, and the current Android takes tablets much more seriously. And so, it seems, does Google. The new Pixel Tablet looks fantastic and Google clearly has a vision for it that's much more interesting than "big phone".
What's so great about the Google Pixel Tablet?
First of all, the interface is gorgeous. It takes full advantage of the available space and of Material You to create something that's a genuine joy to look at, and apps ranging from YouTube to Gmail have been designed to take full advantage too. Whether you're messing around on YouTube or doing stuff in Docs, I think it really works.
I also like what Google is doing with Google Home. It seems obvious to me that tablets are the perfect devices for smart home automation, but while Apple appears to be taking a step back from that – iPads were previously able to operate as HomeKit hubs, but Apple has dropped that for iPadOS 16, which goes live this month – Google is going all-in. A magnetic charging hub that turns your tablet into a Home interface, changes the way it displays things and adds speakers is a brilliant idea.
We've still some way to go before the Pixel Tablet launches in 2023, and of course what we're seeing now is carefully curated by Google to show the best bits. But I really like what I'm seeing of the device and its Android 13L operating system, and I think there's some really smart thinking happening here. I'll stick with my iPads for the time being, but I can see myself being awfully tempted in 2023.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
This is the exact date you should turn your heating on, reveals energy expert
Heat your house while keeping your bills down with these heating tips
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Amazfit T-Rex 3 review: The affordable adventurer’s answer to Garmin
Adventure-ready and budget-friendly with just a few software setbacks
By Matt Buckley Published
-
I'm glad about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delay – and why you should be too
We might not see the second iteration of Apple's rugged outdoor watch until 2026, and it's a good thing
By Matt Kollat Published
-
I tried the new Insta360 Flow AI gimbal, and it blew my tiny little mind
Advanced target tracking, 3-axis image stabilisation, FPV mode, and compact form factor; the Insta360 Flow has it all
By Matt Kollat Last updated
-
3 mistakes everyone makes with Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 PCs
Tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your Microsoft Surface Pro or your Microsoft Surface Go
By Yasmine Crossland Published
-
Should I buy PSVR 2 today now pre-orders are open?
US and UK PlayStation VR 2 orders are now open to everybody, but should I take the PSVR 2 plunge?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Should I wait for a PS5 Pro or just buy a PlayStation 5 now?
T3 analyses the pros and cons of waiting for the PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim before buying a next-gen Sony console
By Robert Jones Last updated
-
I really like the look of these stylish new gaming chairs
The new Boulies' Master Series look class
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
The homemade foldable iPhone is terrible, but it's a glimpse of the future
Yes, the cobbled-together iPhone folding phone is well ropy. But if you squint you can see the iPhone's future
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
PlayStation VR2 price is high – but as a PS5 gamer that's not why I'm worried
The PSVR 2 costs more than a PS5 console, but I'm worried about something else entirely
By Robert Jones Published