New: A weekly newsletter about the trends shaping cities

Stories

Google gives up on making its own tablets

This image shows someone reaching for the keyboard of a Pixel Slate that's sitting on a table.
The Pixel Slate tablet at a 2018 release event Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

After years of trying to make Android tablets a bigger thing, Google will stop making its own slates.

Why it matters: Google's entry into the market failed to make Android-based and Chrome OS-based tablets more significant rivals to Apple's iPad.

Yes, but: The software unit that makes Android will continue to work with companies like Samsung that make their own Android tablets.

Hardware chief Rick Osterloh confirmed the company is scrapping plans for future Google-made tablets, though it will continue to support the Pixel Slate it introduced last year.

  • "Hey, it's true...Google's HARDWARE team will be solely focused on building laptops moving forward, but make no mistake, Android & Chrome OS teams are 100% committed for the long-run on working with our partners on tablets for all segments of the market," Osterloh said in a tweet.

Go deeper: Google debuts new phone, tablet, home hub

Google