Google simply saved the Pixel Pill, however not in the way in which you suppose

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 upset. Whereas the unique Pixel Pill wasn’t good, it was a strong start line. And if Google had continued iterating on it the identical means it has with its Pixel telephones over the previous decade, it simply may’ve grown into an actual iPad competitor at some point.

That mentioned, despite the fact that a Pixel Pill 2 does 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), but it surely’s nonetheless an honest Android pill that doubles as a wise residence hub. Nonetheless, one huge concern was looming.

For the reason that pill launched in June 2023 and was solely assured three years of software program updates, its assist was set to finish this June — and with no successor in sight, the Pixel Pill was beginning to really feel prefer it is perhaps left for useless. Nonetheless, the excellent news is that Google has stepped in and saved it.

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

So in case you personal a Pixel Pill, this implies you must get Android 17, Android 18, and probably even Android 19. That is truthfully not unhealthy in any respect for a pill that launched in 2023 with Android 13.

The Pixel Pill is now receiving fairer therapy

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

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

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

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

Google is presently 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 strategy to tackle macOS and Home windows, it might shift its consideration again to the pill scene. However that is simply hypothesis on my half.

Hopefully, Google will at some point revive the Pixel Pill lineup, however till then, not less than the Pixel Pill will obtain Android OS and safety updates via 2028.