Seemingly out of the blue, Google just pulled the Pixel C tablet from its online store, two years after it first started selling the device.
Upon launch, critics were divided on the tablet, praising its decent hardware but deducting points because it was saddled with software that's not apropos for a tablet. Google supported it for a very long time, having recently rolled out Android Oreo for the device, in fact. But now its run has come to a close.
Google Retiring Pixel C Tablet
"As is common when a device has been out for a few years, we're now retiring Pixel C and it is no longer available for sale," said Google, adding that while the tablet will no longer be available, the company will still be "committed" to updating it going forward.
Google also took upon the chance to encourage everyone eyeing the Pixel C to look elsewhere instead, specifically its recently launched Pixelbook 2-in-1 device, which has garnered stellar acclaim hardware-wise, but received minus points for its steep price and relatively limited operating system.
"Our newly launched Google Pixelbook combines the best parts of a laptop and a tablet for those looking for a versatile device."
Google Hardware: Then And Now
The Pixel C tablet was released at a time when Google's hardware effort was far more experimental than it is currently. Now it seems Google has acquired a keener sense of what its product line is, but it's far from perfect, of course — the disappointing Pixel Buds and creepy Clips camera bring two of the clearest examples of that. Even still, the Pixel phones, the Home smart speakers, and the Pixelbook all represent the best of Google, and what direction the company will tread in terms of hardware is promising.
The Pixel C represents Google's initial mistakes and successes in the hardware aspect — the tablet had terrific specs at the time, but it was hampered by a limited operating system and Android apps that didn't run as great on a tablet ecosystem as they did on a smartphone.
It did eventually pick up, however, with Google giving it features such as split screen multitasking, among many others. But such addition proved almost useless, because Android apps are still not very good on tablet-sized screens. Until Google improves the ecosystem itself, its tablet experience will remain lackluster.
Visiting the URL for the Pixel C now leads to the Pixelbook, yet another clear indication that the company is intent on convincing users to purchase its powerful 2-in-1 device now that the tablet is gone.
Did you have a Pixel C? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
