Google appears to have launched a new Android Tablets program at some point in the previous year. In order to help with that effort, one of the cofounders of Android actually re-joined the OS team.
Google states the following in a job posting for Senior Engineering Manager, Android Tablet App Experience, :
In our opinion, the direction of computing is moving toward more potent and capable tablets. By introducing seamless support across our platforms and hero experiences that enable new and improved methods of being productive and creative, we are trying to provide the next chapter of computing and input.
The first line is a really strong declaration, even for a hiring presentation. Another pair of listings indicates that Google has a dedicated initiative for Android tablets. Working closely with OEMs, an app developer, and the Android OS are all tasks assigned to this team. Rich Miner, a co-founder of Android, actually returned to the operating system division in 2016, as reported by JR Raphael at Computerworld . He had previously worked on Google’s education project and at the venture capital firm GV (owned by Alphabet).
You will collaborate with leads from teams across product areas, including those for Android, Platforms and Ecosystems, and Android Tablets, in your role as director of product management. Additionally, you will collaborate directly with the OEMs that make Android tablets as well as the programmers who create their apps. You will direct Android tablets’ long-term course, plan, and roadmap.
Product management director for Android tablets
Miner joined Android Tablets in March 2021, while the work may have begun earlier. Google developed its Entertainment Space (shown above) and Kids Space media launchers during that time. Of course, Android 12L, a version of the OS designed for devices with large screens and including certain UI enhancements, will also be available in the next month. Google encourages app developers to upgrade their creations.
This resurgence in interest in the form factor comes as Chrome OS, which powers Chromebook tablets from Lenovo and HP, has been widely regarded as Google’s primary push in the market. Even while Chrome OS runs the Play Store and Android apps, Google now appears to be taking a dual-track strategy.
There are currently no signs that Google’s hardware business plans to release a tablet, thus the initiative seems to primarily focus on third-party OEMs. In the 2010s, Google released two models of the Nexus 7 tablet along with the Nexus 10 and later the Nexus 9. Additionally, there was the Pixel C, which was said to run Chrome OS as well. A Tensor-powered Chromebook from Google is the sole current rumor regarding such a tablet. It is expected to be released in 2023.
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