A writer who has used the Google Pixel Tablet as a kitchen smart home hub for years says its versatility beats Apple’s new HomeView, which is not yet on sale. The comparison appeared in a feature published October 17.
Key points
- A feature writer argues the Google Pixel Tablet's versatility makes it a better kitchen hub than Apple's HomeView.
- Apple announced HomeView on Oct. 13 at $299, with a Nov. 13 launch in six countries.
- HomeView has a 7-inch display, an A18 chip, a 12MP camera and support for Matter and Thread.
- The Pixel Tablet launched June 20, 2023, at $499 with a Charging Speaker Dock.
The argument rests on flexibility. The author concedes that “not much is actually good” about the Pixel Tablet, which many consider one of Google‘s least-loved mobile products, but says it remains useful three years after release.
What Apple announced
Apple unveiled HomeView on October 13. CNBC reported it was the first non-iPhone launch under CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook at the start of September.
The device costs $299. Pre-orders are open, and it ships November 13 in the U.S., UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and India.
- 7-inch square Liquid Retina display
- A18 chip, with Apple Intelligence and an AI-upgraded Siri
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Facial recognition for up to six people
- Support for Matter and Thread, two smart home standards
Apple sells two versions: a tabletop model with a speaker base and a wall-mounted model. Mounts are sold separately. Gizmodo lists them at $59 for USB-C, $79 for AC wired and $129 for power over Ethernet, while MacRumors says they come from Schneider Home.
HomeView has no App Store. Widgets and information come from the user’s other Apple devices, according to AppleInsider. Apple’s Greg Joswiak said the product “is designed to be shared by everyone in the home yet feel completely personal to each user.”
The Pixel Tablet’s case
Google released the Pixel Tablet on June 20, 2023, with a Tensor G2 chip and 8GB of RAM. It launched at $499 and included a Charging Speaker Dock that turns the tablet into a smart home speaker. Google’s Pixel Tablet was its first new tablet hardware since 2018, and it was sold only with the dock.
The author says that mix of a full tablet and a docked hub is what HomeView lacks. A tablet can leave the dock for other tasks, while a dedicated display is built around one role.
Wikipedia lists the Pixel Tablet as discontinued on September 10, 2026. DroidFeats could not find a confirmation from Google, and the feature does not mention it.
Competition and context
HomeView enters a market held by Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub. Apple’s earlier push into the home was uneven, and the HomePod struggled to match rivals in popularity. Google is also reevaluating its own smart home devices as competition grows.
Apple is working with LG on an Apple Home Collection of smart doorbells, locks, cameras and thermostats. Apple’s support site explains how a HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV can be set up as a home hub.
Independent full reviews of HomeView are not available, since it ships November 13. The author’s verdict is based on early impressions and long use of Google’s tablet, not a finished test of Apple’s device.
