Google’s Pixel Tablet launched with a bundled charging and speaker dock, but no keyboard or stylus, not even as add-on purchases. It’s a bit strange in today’s world where tablets routinely present them as options. However, new evidence today indicates that Google is actually working on releasing a first-party keyboard and stylus for its tablet.
This was discovered by a developer in a URL leading to the latest version of the Pixel Retail Demo app, which is used to block display devices in retail stores and showcase various features of the device it’s running on. The URL was found in the “PixelSetupWizardOverlay” APK, which directs Google’s Setup Wizard app to the location of the latest version of the Retail Demo app when provisioning the demo device.
The latest version of the Retail Demo app, released on May 21, contains strings that directly name a “Pixel Tablet Keyboard” and a “Pixel Tablet Pen.” There are no images of either accessory in the app, and we don’t currently have any additional details like pricing or release times, but it’s pretty clear that Google is (or at least was working, last month) on a launch of these accessories in the near future.
The fact that these strings can be found within Google’s app intended to showcase the features in retail stores strongly indicates that the company wants to showcase the upcoming keyboard and stylus in those stores when they arrive.
Add to this the fact that the Pixel Tablet’s official spec lists support for USI 2.0 stylus pens and improvements in stylus and keyboard support added in Android 14, and the picture becomes even clearer.
Of course, there’s a chance none of these accessories will see the light of day — after all, if they’re real, why not announce them in May alongside the tablet? So take all of this with a grain of salt and we’ll let you know when we know more.
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