There’s no doubt Google-made devices are coming this year, we just don't know when exactly. Although if we look at Google's history we can point to the fall for their main product releases. Since we know devices are coming I started to recently think about what I want to see. Like a wishlist of Made by Google devices that I can persuade Google to create these would be it. But first, let's quickly see what we expect to see this fall.
Based on rumors we should see...
Pixel 6. This is the one device Google will make no matter what as it is the primary way Google introduces the newest version of Android to the world. The interesting thing is that Google is making its own chip for the smartphone. The design is to be radically different based on recent reports along with upgraded cameras.
Pixel Watch. With Google introducing a new version of Wear OS I don't think they should take the chance of putting that responsibility on another OEM. For this reason alone I think this rumor is true. Not much is known outside of Samsung producing the main processor. Then there was also a rumor of Google approaching Samsung to fabricate some sort of motion tracking chip for the watch.
Based on actual statements from Google we should see…
Google Pixel 5a 5G that's expected to look like the Pixel 4a 5G. The same dual camera set-up with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. I’m hoping Google gets away from Qualcomm and just goes in-house with their chip but this may be Google’s last device with a processor from Qualcomm.
Pixel Buds A. The Android Twitter account tweeted out the existence of the unreleased product and touted Fast Pair as one of the headlining features. Price should be low since it's part of the A-line, however, I'm hoping they don't take too much out to hit that low price point.
New Nest camera. This should be part of a larger product roll-out with Google’s partnership with ADT. Google was really vague so I bet there is more to this than what they’re letting on.
What we already got this year…
Nest Hub gen 2 was released in March of this year. The headlining feature is sleep tracking. I also enjoyed the improved sound quality over the previous model. A solid upgrade overall in my opinion especially if you liked the OG Nest Hub.
What's on my Made by Google wishlist for 2021…
I’ll get these two out of the way and say the Pixel 6 and Pixel Watch. I definitely want Google-made chips that enable AI features only Google can do. I like what the renders showed us last month so if Google has something similar we should be good to go. New triple camera setup and under-display fingerprint scanner for the Pixel 6. Pixel Watch should have health features only Google could do with AI and ML.
Pixelbook or a Pixelbook Go. I’m more in favor of the former but would take either one at this point. Must have that Google-made chip and a design similar to the Pixelbook Go. I really like that textured bottom portion of the laptop that made it really easy to grip and hold. A fingerprint reader is something I expect to be included. I also would welcome Google bringing the light bar back from the Chromebook Pixel to be that signature look for the Pixelbook.
Pixel 7 Android tablet. The Nexus 7 was probably my favorite Android tablet to date and Google could leverage what they learned and improve where they faltered. With a renewed interest from Google in tablet and laptop-designed apps and with the tools to enable this reality now might be the best for Google to revisit making another tablet device.
Detachable Chrome OS tablet similar to the Pixel Slate. Again Google can leverage what they learned and with apps finally catching up with the software now might be the right time to re-enter this highly competitive space. The main thing is to keep the price affordable, simple to use, and include a keyboard and Google could have a hit on their hands.
On-ear headphones. Nothing flashy but a device in the same vein as the Pixel Buds. Minimal design with the G logo. A similar feature set to the Pixel Buds with a built-in translation feature, adaptive sound, and smart ambient sound. Google makes some really good-sounding products and I see these being no different.
Accessories for the Chromecast w/Google TV. Would like to see a USB hub where you can add a web camera for Duo or Meet video calls. External storage expansion for on-device apps or video recordings. External video and mic support for Stadia where you can use your own accessories right from your TV.
Accessories for Chrome OS such as Bluetooth devices. I can see Google making a minimally designed keyboard and mouse combo that has smart AI features built-in and part of the OS. A smart pen or pencil would also be a nice addition.
If I'm being honest most of the devices will not be released this year or heck ever. But it's really cool to see that Google is considered capable of producing these types of devices. Albeit in an alternate reality. The Google hardware team is on the right track and is only growing with the acquisitions of Fitbit, Nest, North, and parts of HTC/Motorola. What once was only a dream I can now clearly see my wish list being a reality in the not too distant future.
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