Sales data from the introduction of the Pixel Watch won’t be available until January; however, it is hard to imagine a scenario where it doesn’t go forward in 2023. A likely upgrade we may see is a Tensor processor replacing the Samsung. But like the Pixel phone, most updates will be incremental.
What will it look like?
4 colors
Connectivity
GPS
OS
Display
Processor
Storage and Memory
Sensors
Water Resistance
The introduction of the Pixel 7a will be closely linked to the success, or failure, of the Pixel 6a. During Alphabet’s Q3 2022 earnings, Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat credited the Pixel 6a as being “primarily” responsible for “solid growth in hardware revenues.” Based on those comments, the 7a looks like a sure thing.
What will it look like
When will it arrive?
Some would say this is a moonshot project and it probably is. The only real competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 and 3rd quarter data indicate sales are strong for this device. I assume Google has already invested heavily into development and design. Early leaks suggest it will use a Tensor G2 processor. If true, this may indicate an early release date or an attempt to keep the price down. But regardless of the intent, it will most likely be Google’s most expensive phone. Things that could scuttle the release are unresolved engineering issues, supply chain issues, price issues.
In many ways the Pixel phone is a bread and butter product and there will definitely be a Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The design language will remain the same and updates to the technology will be incremental.
What will it look like?
3 Colors
Display
Memory and Storage
Processor
Rear Camera
Front Camera
Video
Authentication
Sensors
Connectivity
Network
Given the fact that Google announced the Pixel Tablet at I/O 2022, then announced it again, and posted an article to the Google store blog, this is a sure bet. Some folks are already saying it is better than the iPad although I believe it’s a little premature to go that far. By reviewing Android source code updates many facts are becoming clear in the tea leaves.
Anticipated specs are as follows.
Pricing has yet to leak but surveying competing products would place the price in the $349 range. It’s important to note an optional base will be sold containing speakers, charging station, and USB-C hub. The price for the base will probably be in the $149 range.
The Chromebook project has been an interesting ride. The stock of the Google branded Pixelbook Go will probably reach the point of “final clearance” in 2023. Some suggest the reason the Chromebook did not disrupt the laptop market as hoped, is the fact it suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder. Or to put it another way, it tried to serve too many masters.
Whether other manufacturers will continue to produce Chromebooks will ultimately depend on demand. Google supports Chrome OS, but Android continues to dominate. And then there is Chrome OS Flex, the cloud first operating system for the PC or Mac. This is a page from the Linux play book where Linux vendors suggest bringing new life to older hardware by installing Linux OS. And then there is Fuchsia, the modern operating system to enable direct access to the Internet of Things. It is currently used in the Nest product line.
Stay tuned.