Unveiling the yet-to-be-released 'Pixel Tablet Pen' - Available for immediate purchase [Gallery]
In an unexpected turn of events, a stylus developed by Google specifically for the Google Pixel Tablet, known as the Pixel Tablet Pen, has found its way onto third-party marketplaces despite never being officially released.
The Pixel Tablet Pen, which operates on the USI 2.0 standard, was nearly finished, with full packaging, a magnetic sleeve, instruction manual, and Google branding. However, Google decided to cancel the product, leaving it as a fascinating enigma for tech enthusiasts.
This intriguing stylus is available in two colours: off-white (porcelain) and dark gray (hazel). It features a USB-C charging port, a physical button (which, interestingly, does not seem to function), and a magnetic sleeve designed to attach to the tablet.
Despite being cancelled, the functional stylus works without any special settings or pairing. Advanced features like button functionality or Bluetooth pairing have yet to be enabled via software.
The Pixel Tablet Pen can be found on platforms such as Amazon and Goofish, priced around $25. This is a relatively low price compared to typical first-party styluses by major tablet makers. Its appearance on these platforms is unusual, given that the pen bears clear "Designed for Google" branding and a Google model number (GM0KF), indicating production at least at a late development stage.
Google has not provided any official explanation regarding the cancellation or the subsequent unofficial availability of the Pixel Tablet Pen. The reason for scrapping the release is speculated to be related to the Pixel Tablet 2's cancellation and uncertainties around the Pixel tablet line's future.
In summary, the Pixel Tablet Pen is a genuine Google product that reached near-final production but was quietly cancelled and now exists only as an unofficial third-party purchasable item. It's a fascinating piece of Google history that offers a glimpse into the company's development process and the challenges faced in bringing a product to market.
Smartphone users might find the Pixel Tablet Pen useful, as it functions well with the USI 2.0 standard, similar to many smartphones on the market. The low price of around $25 makes this stylus an affordable addition to one's collection of gadgets, including smartphones.