There is, however, one notable device that did not make an appearance. The device in question is the Pixel Notepad (the name is preliminary and subject to change), Google’s first foldable smartphone.
Over the last couple of years, leaks of variable credibility concerning the device have been swirling around in the tech community. Some time ago, we even got a supposed release date – March 2023.
Given that Google has developed a penchant for teasing new devices well in advance (with the Pixel 7, the first sneak peak came at Google I/O 2022, some 5 months ago), many were expecting some form of an announcement.
However, Google said nothing about the Pixel Notepad at the event. In light of the silence, many were left to wonder whether the device had been canceled.
One prominent tech tipster even took to Twitter to ask “where’s that Pixel foldable”. In a response, Ross Young, a Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst, confirmed once again that Google’s first foldable will debut in the first quarter of 2023.
The cover screen should be significantly less narrow and shorter than the one found on the Fold. This will technically make the secondary display smaller inch-wise (because of the shorter diagonal), but also more usable because of the more standard dimensions. Currently, the foldable that is said to be most reminiscent of the Pixel Notepad is the Oppo Find N.
At any rate, the first Pixel foldable was not the only big device that Google said nothing about today. There was also no mention of the company’s upcoming VR/AR headset. It seems the best has been left for next year.