Google Pixel Tablet 3 takes another step towards laptop replacement

Google has been working on several features for some time to make the Pixel Tablet more of a work machine. A desktop mode without an external display or rumored keyboard accessory is also in the works, but while that hasn’t happened yet, we’ve heard it could be included in the next version of the tablet. The 2027 Pixel Tablet (which we assume will be the third entry in the series) will naturally be another step in that direction.

Thanks to a leak from Google’s gChips division. Android permissions It turns out that Google plans to add a second USB-C port to its Tensor G6 chip, specifically for tablet use cases.

Before we explain further, it’s worth mentioning that the Pixel Tablet technically already has two exposed USB ports. One is a regular USB-C port and the other is a USB 2.0 connection hidden in the pogo pins used for connectivity. dock. This second connection is not the focus of this article. The Pixel Tablet 3 (or whatever it’s called) continues to use this connection in the form of pogo pins. This also means that Google is working on the dock concept.

The documentation we saw states that the Tensor G6 will have a second USB-C controller for “tablet-only use cases.” This port is USB 3.2 compliant (exact speeds unknown, but likely 10Gbps) and supports DisplayPort output (up to two displays when used in a daisy chain). The port connections are also physically placed on the opposite side of the chip to facilitate signal routing for tablets, emphasizing that Google intends this specifically for that type of device.

A second USB port definitely makes the tablet even more versatile for desktop and other advanced uses. Android isn’t quite a true desktop OS yet, but it can easily handle simpler tasks, and two USB ports and a keyboard accessory make it even easier to use. Also interesting is the fact that Google supports up to four external displays in this configuration (two displays connected directly to the USB-C port, and two more connected via daisy chain).

There’s no further concrete information about future Pixel tablets, but similar to what Apple is doing with the iPad Pro, Google is planning a more “Pro” device that could potentially double as a laptop replacement. Looks like it might be in development. It’s clear that Android isn’t ready to be a desktop OS for everyone, but there’s really no reason why more people wouldn’t make the switch. I’m excited to see if Google decides to push tablets further in that direction, and if so, how well it does.