Google recovers hope with tablets and chooses one of the founders of Android to lead this new bet

Android tablets are “the future of computing,” says Google in a job offer. Nothing suggests this considering the current state of Android tablets, where even Google itself discarded this system with the Pixel Slate, its latest model presented in 2018 and which already opted for ChromeOS then.

A failed bet, as recognized by Rick Osterloh, head of Google’s hardware division, who confirmed that They would stop making tablets. Up to now.

A new division for ‘Android Tablets’

Google said at the time that it was not going to produce more tablets, but the truth is that they have renewed their commitment to them with a new division within the company with the direct name of ‘Android tablets’.

Looking at the job posting, they say they believe “the future of computing is shifting to more powerful and capable tablets.” This Google team is looking for application developers and engineers to work with other brands. For the moment It cannot be anticipated that they are going to present an Android tablet, but they are going to boost their growth again after several years stopped.

But the most prominent move is the person chosen to participate in this bet. Is about Rich Miner, android co-founder with Andy Rubin before Google itself bought his startup. Miner has been a member of Google Ventures since 2009 but had not been involved in the day-to-day running of the operating system.

As pointed out ComputerWorld, Rich Miner joined the Android Tablets initiative in March 2021. This is Miner’s job description within Google:

“As ‘Director of Product Management for Android Tablets,’ you will partner with leaders in Android, platforms and ecosystems, and cross-product area teams. You will also work closely and collaboratively with OEMs who make Android tablets and developers who create apps for them. It will drive the long-term direction, strategy and roadmap for Android tablets.”

During these last few months we have seen several movements in Android focused on tablets, mainly the Android 12L version, one specialized in taking advantage of the space of tablets and folding devices.

In september last year we met one Google patent for the design of a new tablet, with rounded edges and a large screen. However, at the moment there are no more specific rumors of a future tablet with these characteristics, as there is about the Pixel NotePad, its future folding tablet.

Android has been neglecting tablets for many years and rivals like Windows 11 or iPadOS have surpassed them. We’ll see if this new Android Tablets initiative can change the dynamic.

Image | Let’s Go Digital
Via | 9to5Google