Chrome OS has evolved, starting on laptops it has
gotten on tablets too. After Acer’s tab Google unveiled its own hardware – meet
the Google Pixel Slate. The Slate has a 6MP screen with a sharp 293ppi pixel density. Google
optimized the Chrome OS interface for a more desktop experience. It starts with
a version of desktop Chrome, continues with the G Suite and, finally, split
screen for better multitasking.
The launcher uses Google smarts to predict which of
these apps you’ll want to launch and it brings their shortcuts front and
center. Google Assistant is deeply integrated as well. The screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio
and supports stylus input. If you’re getting hints of Microsoft Surface, hold
on – wait until you see the keyboard cover.
It connects to the tablet via pogo pins, leaving the
USB-C port on the side of the tablet free for accessories. There’s no pairing
or charging necessary. The round keys are based on the lauded Chromebook Pixel
keyboard. They are quiet as you type on them and soft to the touch. Better yet, the cover has been
designed in a way that lets you tilt the screen at any angle you want, not just
a few pre-defined angles.
If you prefer a stylus, you can use the Pixelbook
Pen. Adobe built a version of Acrobat that lets you edit PDFs and sign
documents with the Pen. The Google Pixel Slate is great for multimedia too, not just work.
Besides the sharp screen, there are front-facing stereo speakers.
It’s geared towards cord-cutters with a 3-month free
trial of YouTube TV. The service lets you watch live TV from 60 networks
(sports, news, anything).There are two cameras on the Slate, both with 8MP
resolution. The front-facing one is placed on the center, making it suitable
for video calling. The wide-angle lens and image sensor with large pixels will
let you chat in any room and with as many people you want. It features Portrait
mode as well. The rear one also enjoys the software magic of the Google Camera,
if you’re the type to use a tablet’s camera.
Google takes security seriously, so it added a Titan
security chip to the Slate. There’s built-in virus protection too. And since
up-to-date software is vital, the Chrome OS will automatically update itself in
the background.
The Pixel Slate comes in Midnight Blue color and
starts at US$ 599. The Pixel Slate Keyboard is priced at US$ 199, and Pixelbook Pen costs US$ 99. All three will be
available later this year via Google Store, and at major retailers in the U.S.,
Canada and the U.K.
Pricing for Pixel Slate
- Pixel Slate with Intel Celeron Processor, 4GB RAM with 32GB Storage / 8GB RAM with 64GB Storage starts at US$ 599
- Pixel Slate with 8th Gen Intel Core m3 Processor, 8GB RAM with 64GB Storage at US$ 799
- Pixel Slate with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM with 128GB Storage at US$ 999
- Pixel Slate with 8th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, 8GB RAM with 256GB Storage at US$ 1,599
