Past the Alphabet
Past the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each in and out of the confines of Mountain View.
Ever because the rumors started swirling about Google doubtlessly releasing a “Pixel Laptop computer,” I have been skeptical, to say the least. The preliminary stories got here simply earlier than different rumors instructed Google determined to cancel its future plans for a Pixel Pill 2. So, whereas it may appear as if Google is lining issues as much as substitute the Pill with an Android-powered laptop computer, one thing simply did not sit proper.
My skepticism marched into overdrive after some posited that this could possibly be the start of Google changing ChromeOS with Android. I’ve already defined why I feel that may be a nasty concept and why Chromebooks are seemingly right here to remain.
Nevertheless, I just lately had a “lightbulb second” about what I feel a Pixel Laptop computer would appear to be. Supplied that it ever sees the sunshine of day and is not only a challenge that can find yourself going the way in which of the Pixelbook 2.
If something, it is fully potential that we see one thing akin to the Microsoft Floor Professional 11. On this imaginary state of affairs, the Pixel Laptop computer could be powered by certainly one of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips and have a removable keyboard.
It may appear odd that I am suggesting that Google opts for the Snapdragon X Elite versus one thing just like the Tensor G4 successor. However it might truthfully make sense, supplied that this can be a product that Google plans to launch future iterations of.
A part of the problems with the Pixel Pill stems from the awkward launch cycle that it was given. First, it was introduced in October 2022 earlier than being launched in June 2023, and even then, you could not simply get the Pill with out additionally getting the Charging Speaker Dock. It wasn’t till Could 2024 that Google allow you to ditch the dock, which was nice however wasn’t the Pixel Pill announcement we had been hoping for.
To not point out that we’re now heading into 2025, and no successor has been introduced, so we’re “caught” with Google’s Tensor G2. For what it’s and what it does, the G2 and Pixel Pill nonetheless carry out properly. Nevertheless, with the fixed push to get Gemini into the arms of as many individuals as potential, the Pixel Pill is an apparent Achilles heel.
Logically, it might make sense for Google to launch an Android-powered Pixel Laptop computer with the following Tensor SoC. However, I feel the Snapdragon X Elite could be higher positioned for longevity because it appears to be simply what the physician ordered for Home windows on Arm gadgets.
All the constructing blocks for Google to make such a transfer are already there, and numerous enhancements are persevering with to be made to Android. Only in the near past, a devoted Linux Terminal app was added with Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, which can be out there within the newest Android 16 Developer Preview.
It is a fairly essential piece of the puzzle, as I consider Google will ultimately make it function equally to Linux on a Chromebook. With the Terminal app, you’ll have the ability to obtain and set up appropriate Linux apps, similar to you may with ChromeOS.
And whereas the Terminal app is enabled out of the field with the aforementioned beta software program, I extremely doubt this might be the case with the ultimate launch. It is extra more likely to be hidden behind Developer Choices, much like the way it’s sort of buried within the Settings app for Chromebooks.
With regards to how we’d work together with the Pixel Laptop computer, I feel we see a distinct, but acquainted method. As an alternative of counting on the Android interface that we’ve got now, it might ship with Google’s Desktop Mode because the default “launcher.” When indifferent, it might revert again to the standard Pixel Launcher, and would hopefully supply a technique to change backwards and forwards. It isn’t like that is something new, even from Google.
Samsung DeX presents the identical sort of method, however in reverse. Which means that you just begin out with Android after which can change to the desktop-like expertise both when attaching a keyboard or tapping a Fast Settings toggle.
ChromeOS tablets just like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 function in a similar way. When the keyboard is related, you will have the identical interface discovered on another Chromebook that you just decide up. Take away the keyboard, and also you’re relegated to the App Launcher, with no correct “desktop” to talk of.
With ChromeOS, it is not essentially the most best or pleasurable scenario, however with Android on the helm, it is no completely different than what we have already got. There could be the query of whether or not we’d have the ability to nonetheless use Desktop Mode or floating app home windows when indifferent, or if Google would attempt to hold the completely different UI experiences separate.
A part of the rationale why I feel that this Pixel Laptop computer is perhaps actual is, once more, because of leaks and rumors. Google has been reportedly engaged on a first-party keyboard and stylus because the unique Pixel Pill was launched.
Right here we’re greater than two years later, and nothing of the kind has been introduced. On the similar time, we proceed to see rumors and leaks suggesting that Google is engaged on these equipment, and that is even after the Pixel Pill 2 cancellation rumors surfaced.
So why would Google cancel the Pixel Pill 2 simply to proceed investing money and time into the event of equipment? Who is aware of? I suppose there’s a minimum of just a little bit of fireside the place the smoke is, however nonetheless not sufficient for me to be totally satisfied.
