Internet search giant Google on Tuesday launched a new tablet named Pixel C priced at $499 to compete with products like the Apple iPad Pro and the Microsoft Surface.
The 10.2-inch tablet, which comes with a magnetic keyboard, will run on the latest Android operating system Marshmallow. The new C will have a screen resolution of 2650 x 1800 pixels and a pixel density of 380 ppi (pixels per inch). It will support 500 nits of brightness.
In terms of processing power, the C will run a Nvidia X1 quad-core processor along with a 3 GB RAM unit. “We wanted to design a product that would give a great experience of touch and type and hence we designed the Pixel C,” said a Google spokesperson.
The magnetic keyboard, which will be available as an accessory for $149, connects to the tablet via Bluetooth. Google said that the keyboard can go without charge for two months. Interestingly, the keyboard which works as a front cover for the tablet charges from its battery.
Earlier, Apple had launched a 13-inch tablet with a keyboard and a stylus to compete with other existing tablets in the market especially the Microsoft Surface which claims to give laptop-like productivity on the go.
Google’s Indian-origin chief executive Sundar Pichai took to the stage on Tuesday to unveil new software, hardware and service from the company’s stable to counter competition from rivals like Apple, Microsoft and Samsung.
Android Marshmallow: Coming soon to a device near you! pic.twitter.com/wmNaoJROfZ
— Google (@google) September 29, 2015
Before announcing the latest releases – two smartphones Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, second generation Chromecast, an audio Chromecast and a new 10.2-inch tablet named Google Pixel C, Pichai said: “It was great receiving the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the (Silicon) Valley”. Modi made a two-day trip to the West Coast where he met chief executives and founders of several big technology companies during his five day US visit.
Plug in Chromecast Audio to upgrade almost any home speaker to one that’s WiFi enabled http://t.co/iEpQZAFTZl pic.twitter.com/jLYhtUe7xA
— Google (@google) September 29, 2015
In addition, Pichai said that the company would also launch its sixth Android iteration named Marshmallow to its Nexus devices. The new OS is expected to introduce new app permissions, custom Chrome Tabs, fingerprint support and improved power management.
According to Google, the company has added 400 million new users to the Android ecosystem in one year. “Previously we had 1 billion 30-day period active users but now we have 1.4 billion 30-day active users,” Pichai said.
“With people in emerging economies moving to smartphones especially with our Android One initiative that offers high-quality yet affordable smartphones, we are on route to meet the target of getting the next billion users online,” he said.
He also said that more Chromebooks were being adopted in US schools. “Nearly 30,000 Choromebooks were activated in the month of September alone. Our Android for Work is also picking up with 10,000 firms already adapting it partially or fully,” he said.
Companies which have adopted Android for Work include World Bank, US Army and Guardian Live. Pichai also said that it would introduce updates to several applications like Google Photos and Google Play Music.
