Google simply saved the Pixel Pill, however not in the best way you assume

When studies got here out a few years in the past that Google was scrapping plans for the Pixel Tablet 2, I used to be fairly disillusioned. Whereas the unique Pixel Pill wasn’t excellent, it was a strong start line. And if Google had continued iterating on it the identical method it has with its Pixel telephones over the previous decade, it simply might’ve grown into an actual iPad competitor in the future.

That mentioned, despite the fact that a Pixel Pill 2 would not seem like coming anytime quickly, the original Pixel Tablet continues to be round. Its specs aren’t precisely cutting-edge anymore (it is powered by the Tensor G2), nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good Android pill that doubles as a sensible residence hub. Nevertheless, one large concern was looming.

Because the pill launched in June 2023 and was solely assured three years of software program updates, its help was set to finish this June — and with no successor in sight, the Pixel Pill was beginning to really feel prefer it may be left for lifeless. Nevertheless, the excellent news is that Google has stepped in and saved it.

Just lately, Google quietly up to date the Pixel Pill’s support page to increase its software program help from three years to 5 years (through 9to5Google). As an alternative of going old-fashioned this June, the pill is now supported by way of June 2028 — a full two further years of Android OS and safety updates.

So if you happen to personal a Pixel Pill, this implies it’s best to get Android 17, Android 18, and doubtlessly even Android 19. That is truthfully not dangerous in any respect for a pill that launched in 2023 with Android 13.

The Pixel Pill is now receiving fairer remedy

Newer Pixel telephones obtain even higher help with seven years of updates

With the Pixel Pill now set to obtain 5 years of software program help, it aligns with the five-year help interval that different older Pixel units obtained from Google, such because the Pixel 6 sequence, Pixel 7 sequence, and Pixel Fold.

Beginning with the Pixel 8 sequence, which got here out in late 2023 after the Pixel Pill, Google really prolonged its Android OS and safety replace dedication to seven years. So the Pixel 8 sequence, Pixel 9 sequence, and Pixel 10 sequence all get seven years of replace help, fairly than 5. Whereas the Pixel Pill will not be getting that, sadly, at the very least it is getting 5 as an alternative of three.

As for what the long run holds for the Pixel Pill, it might be a very long time earlier than we see a successor. In an interview with Bloomberg shortly after the Pixel 10 sequence was introduced in August, Google executives confirmed that improvement of a brand new pill has been placed on maintain till the corporate can work out a “significant future for the class.”

Google is at the moment engaged on Aluminium OS, which unifies ChromeOS and Android and is supposed to exchange ChromeOS on PCs. So maybe as soon as Google has that sorted out and has efficiently introduced Android to PCs in a extra thrilling solution to tackle macOS and Home windows, it could shift its consideration again to the pill scene. However that is simply hypothesis on my half.

Hopefully, Google will in the future revive the Pixel Pill lineup, however till then, at the very least the Pixel Pill will obtain Android OS and safety updates by way of 2028.