Google Pauses Tablet and Smart Ring Growth, Prioritizes Core Device Ecosystem
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MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – August 22, 2025 – Google has signaled a strategic shift in its hardware roadmap, indefinitely suspending development of a potential Pixel Tablet 2 and a Google-branded smart ring. The decision, revealed in a recent interview with key executives, underscores a renewed focus on the core smartphone experience and expanding its ecosystem of connected devices.
Shifting Priorities: Smartphones and Beyond
Rick Osterloh,GoogleS senior vice president of devices and services,along with Ivy Ross and Shakil Barkat,articulated the company’s vision during an interview with Bloomberg. executives indicated that Google believes consumers will primarily interact with technology through their smartphones, supplemented by devices like smartwatches, earbuds, and emerging technologies like smart glasses.This outlook shapes the company’s investment strategy.
The move comes as foldable phone technology gains traction,potentially diminishing the need for traditional tablets.
Did You Know?
Samsung currently dominates the foldable market, with a 90% market share as of Q2 2025 (Statista, 2025).
The Rise of Android XR
Google’s commitment to Android XR-extended reality-appears to be a key driver behind the decision. With multiple companies preparing to launch Android XR glasses, Google is positioning itself to be a central player in the next wave of computing. The company believes this technology will offer a more compelling and integrated experience than standalone devices like a Pixel Tablet 2 or smart ring.
The company’s assessment of the smart ring market also played a role. After observing Samsung’s entry into the space with the Galaxy Ring, Google executives reportedly questioned whether they could deliver a substantially differentiated product.
Pro Tip:
The smart ring market is still nascent, with meaningful challenges around battery life, sensor accuracy, and user adoption.
A Look at Google’s Hardware roadmap
The interview provided insights into Google’s broader hardware strategy, including the upcoming Pixel 10 series launch. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are slated for release on August 28, while the Pixel Fold Pro will follow on october 9. These devices will showcase Google’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence and camera technology.
| Device | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Pixel 10 | August 28, 2025 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | August 28, 2025 |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | August 28, 2025 |
| Pixel Fold Pro | October 9, 2025 |
What does this shift in strategy mean for the future of Google’s hardware division? And how will Android XR shape the next generation of mobile computing?
Background: Google’s Hardware Evolution
Google’s foray into hardware began in earnest with the acquisition of Motorola Mobility in 2012, though the company has as refined its approach. The pixel line, launched in 2016, represents Google’s commitment to designing and manufacturing its own devices, showcasing the full potential of the Android operating system. The company has experimented with various form factors, including the original Pixel Tablet, but is now streamlining its focus to maximize impact and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the Pixel tablet 2? Google has paused development of a successor to the Pixel Tablet, prioritizing other device categories.
- Is Google still working on wearable technology? Yes, Google remains committed to wearables, particularly smartwatches and the emerging field of smart glasses.
- What is Android XR? Android XR refers to Google’s platform for extended reality devices, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets and glasses.
- Will Google ever release a smart ring? Currently,there are no plans for Google to release a smart ring.
- What is Google’s focus with its hardware now? Google is concentrating on smartphones, wearables, and Android XR technologies.
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