Google launched the Pixel Slate, which broadly speaking is a clone of Microsoft's Surface and its derivatives, with a bet that the company's artificial intelligence, Google Assistant, and software will be a differentiator.
The Pixel Slate is a convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook. Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of Hardware at Google, rolled out the Pixel Slate with the Pixel 3 and new Google Home Hub. Google outlined its hardware lineup at an event in New York.
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What was most striking about the Pixel Slate is how much it looked like the Surface with its kickstand. The difference is that Pixel Slate will function as a Chromebook. The rumors turned out to be accurate. Perhaps the difference shouldn't be that surprising since Google did hire more than a few people who worked on the Surface team.
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Coming after Microsoft's Surface update the Chromebook version of the Surface was even more notable. Clearly, the Surface design language has been an influence.
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Trond Wuellner, director of product management at Google, argued that the Google Pixel Slate is a new experience on Chrome OS and the ability to work with one hand. Machine learning customizes the app launcher based on your usage. "It isn't a laptop trying to be a tablet. Or a tablet that's really a phone," he said.
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Indeed, the Pixel Slate has rounded edges in midnight blue and a display with 293 pixels per inch, dual front-firing speakers, 8GB to 16 GB of RAM, 3000x2000 display, and support for biometrics. Single USB-C ports are on the left and right side.
"Pixel Slate represents a new chapter for the Chrome OS," said Wuellner.
The Pixel Slate has a keyboard with round keys that snap into the base.
Not surprisingly, Google touted G Suite integration, a desktop Chrome browser that is the desktop version, Google Play integration for Android apps and the AI tools to go with a reimagined Chrome OS.
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As for the pricing, Pixel Slate will start at $599 and be available from November via the Google Store. The Pixel Slate Keyboard will run you $199, while a Google Pixelbook Pen is $99.
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