Google’s Pixel Tablet is exclusive in a couple of alternative ways. For one, it isn’t designed to be a conveyable workhorse however nonetheless has sufficient energy underneath the hood because of the Tensor G2. But, it is also now obtainable with or with out the Charging Dock. Regardless of which model you picked up, let’s check out the primary issues to do with the Pixel Tablet.Make certain every part is up-to-date(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)After you undergo the preliminary setup course of, you may need to be sure that each your Pixel Tablet and Charging Speaker Dock are operating the newest software program. Not solely does this guarantee that you’ve got the newest Android Security Patch, however you may additionally take pleasure in any new options which have been launched.1. Open the Settings app.2. From the left sidebar, scroll down and faucet System. (Image credit score: Android Central)3. On the correct, faucet Software updates. (Image credit score: Android Central)4. Tap System replace. (Image credit score: Android Central)5. Tap the Check for updates button.Get the newest information from Android Central, your trusted companion on this planet of Android(Image credit score: Android Central)6. If an replace is obtainable, faucet the Download and set up button.Register your fingerprints(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Google’s onboarding course of already takes you thru the required steps to register your fingerprints. But, you may doubtless end up eager to register multiple. This is as a result of when the Pixel Tablet is docked, the Power button/fingerprint scanner is on the highest proper. But, if you decide up the pill and need to use it vertically, rapidly unlocking it’s higher fitted to a finger in your left hand. 1. Open the Settings app.2. Tap Security & privateness within the left sidebar.(Image credit score: Android Central)3. On the correct facet, faucet Device Unlock. (Image credit score: Android Central)4. Tap Fingerprint Unlock. (Image credit score: Android Central)5. When prompted, enter your PIN.6. Tap + Add fingerprint. 7. Follow the on-screen steps.(Image credit score: Android Central)8. Repeat the method so as to add extra fingerprints.Set up and allow Hub Mode(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Although Google continues to say that the Pixel Tablet just isn’t a Nest Hub Max alternative, it actually sort of is. Not solely are you able to add the Charging Speaker Dock to the Home app, however there’s even a devoted Hub Mode. When docking the pill for the primary time, you would possibly see a window seem that takes you thru the setup course of. However, there are a bunch of choices to configure from the Settings app. Opening the Settings app and deciding on Hub Mode presents you with the completely different options to configure. This contains establishing a display saver, making changes to the At a Glance widget, and establishing the default music or video providers for “Assistant on Hub Mode.”We really useful taking a couple of minutes and messing round with the assorted choices, tailoring it to your wants. Add your Pixel Tablet to the Google Home app(Image credit score: @tshakaarmstrong)Adding additional credence to the concept of the Pixel Tablet changing the Nest Hub Max, is the power so as to add the Charging Speaker Dock to the Google Home app. While we want the Dock would function as a Nest Audio speaker by itself, that is sadly not the case. However, if you connect the Pixel Tablet, it is able to a lot extra. By including it to the Home app, you possibly can add it to a Speaker Group, and add new automations, additional bettering your Google-powered sensible dwelling.1. Attach your Pixel Tablet to its Charging Speaker Dock.2. Open the Google Home app. 3. Follow the on-screen steps to log into the app for the primary time. 4. Once logged in, faucet Devices. (Image credit score: Android Central)5. In the underside proper nook, faucet the + Add button.(Image credit score: Android Central)6. If your Dock just isn’t mechanically acknowledged, faucet Google Nest or companion system.(Image credit score: Android Central)7. Select your Home. (Image credit score: Android Central)8. Scroll by way of the record of system choices and choose Dock.(Image credit score: Android Central)9. Follow the on-screen steps so as to add the Charging Speaker Dock to the Google Home app.(Image credit score: Android Central)Grab a case, keyboard, and stylus(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)We’re nonetheless holding out hope for Google to launch some first-party equipment, like a keyboard case and USI stylus. Thankfully, there are loads choices on the market to fill the void, permitting you to answer to some emails, play a couple of video games, or use your Pixel Tablet as a digital pocket book.
Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen
Jot down some notes
It would possibly come as a shock, however the Pixel Tablet is definitely appropriate with any USI stylus. There are a couple of completely different choices on the market, however the Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen pairs completely with the Pixel Tablet. It presents as much as 90 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, and options 4,096 stress factors. Oh, and you should use it with lots of the greatest Chromebooks.
Keep it protected
Our solely criticism with the official Pixel Tablet case from Google is that it would not cowl the entrance of the display. But we maintain coming again to this one in any case because of the distinctive metallic stand that is built-in. Plus, you possibly can toss your pill onto the Charging Speaker Dock, with no need to take the case off.
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 Okay380s
Get work carried out
Logitech makes loads of incredible equipment, no matter what sort of computing system you personal. The firm’s new Pebble Keys 2 Okay380s is a superb instance, regardless of the long-winded identify. The Okay380s is cross-platform appropriate, presents a slim and light-weight design, and allows you to pair it with as much as three gadgets on the similar time.
Familiarize your self with multitasking(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)One of the massive explanation why the Pixel Tablet got here to fruition was to indicate different OEMs “how it’s done” within the multitasking division. Google applied a special floating dock that seems if you swipe up from the underside and maintain. From there, you possibly can open an app pinned to your dock, entry your app drawer, and even drag and drop one other app into split-screen mode. Not to say the truth that you possibly can simply copy and paste issues from one app to a different, like dropping an image in an electronic mail, or dragging a hyperlink right into a chat. There’s nonetheless a bit of labor to be carried out, as you might be at the moment restricted to solely having two apps on display on the similar time. Nevertheless, it is a large step in the correct path and is available in fairly useful even in the event you simply need to change to a different app with out closing the one that you just’re in. Get suggestions on what to look at(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Pixel Tablet is nice as a wise dwelling hub or only a actually large clock in your desk. But it is also nice for having fun with some motion pictures or TV reveals, as it will probably supply suggestions based mostly on what you want. Once your apps are downloaded and every part is ready up, these suggestions will seem within the Google Feed if you swipe to the correct in your Home Screen.1. With your Pixel Tablet unlocked, swipe to the correct to indicate the Google Discover feed.2. Tap your profile picture within the prime proper nook.(Image credit score: Android Central)3. From the menu that seems, faucet Settings. (Image credit score: Android Central)4. On the left, faucet Personalization. 5. Tap App suggestions. (Image credit score: Android Central)6. Download and/or allow any video streaming apps that you’re subscribed to.(Image credit score: Android Central)Add your Pixel Tablet to the Find My Device community(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Early in 2024, Google revamped its Find My Device community for Android. Along with together with help for Bluetooth tags, Google’s made it doable to find your numerous gadgets, even when they’re offline. The solely “catch” is that you’re going to first have to allow it. Otherwise, you would possibly go away your Pixel Tablet on the prepare and don’t know the place it ended up.1. Open the Settings app.2. Scroll down and faucet Google within the left sidebar.3. On the correct facet, faucet Find My Device. (Image credit score: Android Central)4. Make certain that Use Find My Device is enabled.5. Tap Find your offline gadgets. (Image credit score: Android Central)6. Select: Without community, With community in high-traffic areas solely, or With community in all areas. (Image credit score: Android Central)7. When prompted, faucet the Enter display lock button.(Image credit score: Android Central)8. Enter the password or PIN of your system and faucet Next. (Image credit score: Android Central)Check out some tablet-optimized apps(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)One of the first complaints with apps on tablets and foldable telephones has been that they have not supplied an optimized expertise. Apps designed for slab telephones are fundamental stretched, and do not make the most of the additional display actual property.Thankfully, Google has been making an attempt to guide by instance, as a lot of its personal purposes are actually tablet-optimized. Since this announcement at I/O 2023, we have seen many extra builders get on board with this push to make apps higher on bigger screens.Google has even gone as far as to introduce a brand new filter within the Play Store, letting you browse and uncover apps which can be correctly optimized. This is a superb addition, and lots of the greatest Android apps work completely on the Pixel Tablet. Knowing is half the battle(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As we have talked about, the Pixel Tablet is not going to outperform one thing just like the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. While there are occasions that we want that had been the case, it does not imply that the Pixel Tablet is a foul system. In reality, one may argue that this can be a good factor, as you do not have to attempt to flip the Pixel Tablet into one thing it isn’t.Provided that you have picked up the Pixel Tablet understanding its limitations, you may most likely end up having fun with what it has to supply. Whether it simply sits on the counter, working as a digital image body, or changing into your go-to if you simply need to chill and watch one thing on the sofa. We’re hopeful that Google will launch a extra highly effective and feature-rich successor, however for now, the Pixel Tablet remains to be fairly nice.