Remember Google Clips? The not-quite-a-GoPro that used AI to automatically capture key moments was released at the second Made by Google event, and felt like the company’s penchant for experimental software was going to extend into hardware.
Google never released another piece of hardware that was quite as Googley, but I sometimes wish they had. Made by Google has been more staid since then, and I think we’re in an especially conservative period now. I think an earlier Google would have already released a flip-style foldable. On the smart home front, they would have brought the latest Nest Learning Thermostat to Europe and kept making Nest Protect alarms.
Made by Google product categories today include: Phones, Tablets, Watches, Fitness Trackers, Earbuds, Cameras/Doorbells, Thermostats, Wi-Fi, Speakers/Displays, and Streamers.
Let’s start with expansions in existing product areas.
After four generations, it’s time for a more rugged or fitness-focused Wear OS watch. I’m not sure if it should be branded as a Pixel Watch since Fitbit is right there, with “Versa” worth keeping. In terms of functionality, I don’t think it differs too much from what we have today. It’s already telling that Google included emergency satellite capabilities in the PW4. Instead, design is what would set it apart, with a larger case allowing for more battery and possibly additional health sensors that have yet to be miniaturized.
The next portable Google device with a large touchscreen will most likely be a laptop or 2-in-1 convertible running desktop Android. I don’t think Google tries again with a Pixel Tablet successor that’s primarily a content consumption/entertainment device. I think a Pixel Laptop will nicely complement that upcoming market as a premium offering like the Pixelbook.
(While I’m here, I want to vent about Google abandoning plans to release a pen and keyboard. The Pixel Tablet was clearly not a market success, but canceling those two accessories felt like rubbing salt in the wounds of people who did buy the device, especially when they started selling it without the dock. Those peripherals could have extended the longevity of the Pixel Tablet. It’s also unfortunate that Google never enabled the “Notes Role” on the Pixel Tablet that allows for lockscreen access to a set app. Instead, this feature launched on Lenovo tablets.)
If Google made over-the-ear headphones, I don’t think premium would be the direction they take. Instead, such a device would prioritize comfort and all-day wearability to be an assistive Gemini device.
In terms of products that I don’t think Google will make, it pains me to say that glasses seem to be off the table for a few generations. Basically, if you’re interested in the form factor this year, just buy what Samsung releases. I don’t see Pixel Glass or Google Lens (perfect branding) until the form factor is more mature. Android XR in the short-to-medium term needs Samsung’s reach.
Additionally, I don’t think Google will go the route of dedicated AI devices, à la Humane pin or Jony Ive and OpenAI. Google very much believes the next form factor for AI is smart glasses, and that the smartphone paired to it will play an important role for many years to come as the center of your digital life.
I fully believe that Google has fully developed a Find Hub tag/tracker and just decided not to release it. Early on, I think privacy and brand damage were the primary reasons.
Anyways, my contribution to the list would be a Pixel Bluetooth speaker. Was this piece primarily to complain that every portable offering combines play/pause, next, and last controls into one button? Yes, yes it was. (What’s even worse is how Ultimate Ears speakers don’t even let you triple tap to go back.)
Beyond that, I’d hope such a device supports Google Cast on battery power so you can set it up anywhere, while contact-based or wireless charging is a must. I think Google would have fun designing a Home-y object.
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