Ideal for Smart Home Enthusiasts: Discover the Perfect Solution

For the past few days, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring Google’s new Pixel Tablet. It’s currently available in stores, starting at $499 for the base 128 GB model. There’s also a $599 256 GB model, which I believe is a worthwhile upgrade for doubling your storage capacity, depending on your needs.

It’s been quite some time since Google released a new tablet, and this time they haven’t tried to revolutionize the market. Unlike the iPad, there are no professional accessories such as a stylus or keyboard, and apart from a matching case with a kickstand, there aren’t many Google-designed add-ons available.

However, after testing it for a few days, it seems like this was a deliberate choice. Google had a specific target audience in mind for this product, and if you fit that profile, then this tablet might just be worth the investment.

What’s exceptional

The standout feature of the Pixel Tablet is its Hub Mode. If you’re a consumer who’s already deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem and interested in an array of Google Home-compatible smart home devices, then this tablet could easily become your new best friend.

Here’s how it works: When you dock your Pixel tablet with the included charging speaker dock, the tablet’s lock screen transforms into a fully customizable display.

This feature is especially useful if you already own Google Home devices. From the lock screen, you can view security cameras, adjust lighting, and even control smart window treatments. It can also show you who’s at your door when someone rings your Nest or Ring doorbell.

Hub Mode works well in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or family room, where it can provide alerts about package deliveries, running timers, or the location of your Uber or Lyft. You can also cast videos from your phone or computer to the Hub.

One of my favorite features is the dynamic on-screen clock in the Prime skin. The clock faces are visually appealing without being distracting.

Unfortunately, all my smart home devices are set up for Apple HomeKit, so I couldn’t fully experience its integration into my ecosystem. However, the portability and functionality of Hub Mode make it superior to solely relying on the Nest Hub.

You can purchase charging docks separately and place them throughout your home, allowing you to move your tablet(s) from one location to another. For example, you can find a recipe while sitting on the couch and then take your Pixel Tablet to the kitchen to start cooking.

Multitasking capabilities are also impressive, although it’s not meant to replace a computer. It’s perfectly suitable for streaming videos and managing your inbox simultaneously. However, depending on the tablet’s angle or the optional case with a kickstand, typing experience may vary.

What’s not so great

The new Tensor G2 SoC processor on the Pixel Tablet provides a responsive experience, but certain aspects of the user interface, such as a slight delay when accessing the control panel, can feel limiting.

While the emoji background is a clever concept that responds to touch, the occasional lag dampens the overall experience. It takes some getting used to the tablet’s quirks, such as finding the precise motion to go back to the home screen instead of switching to another app. Some of these issues may stem from my inexperience with Android.

This tablet is not designed for power users either. It can handle basic productivity tasks, but don’t expect to write a novel or a tablet review on it. The same goes for the twin 8MP cameras. My colleague and I found that the 7MP front-facing camera on an older iPad Pro surpassed the Pixel’s

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