I feel like this article does a good job of explaining why it isn't selling well. MS Surface is a messy device in the sense that it cobbles together a bunch of old and new technologies, but in the old PC tradition, its a device where you can get the job done. Sure, Pixel C is for developers because Google wishes developers would build full featured productivity apps for Android. Its not surprising, and Pixel C is still too expensive for what it does.
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by vessenes on Thursday March 10, 2016 @11:49PM
(#11264701)
I continue to believe this was originally a chromeOS device, and that internal politics shoved Android on it.
A touch-oriented chrome device that could take a keyboard would be a lot more appealing to me than a premium android tablet. I'm not sure how common this perspective is, though. I definitely use my iPad Pro as a limited Macbook air..
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by natrius on Friday March 11, 2016 @12:04AM
(#11264749)
Android runs Chrome. The only drawback is the windowing system isn't right for the form factor. Split screen in Android N will probably make the Pixel C loved by many.
"Internal politics" makes it sound like a mistake, but when Android replaces Windows as the default desktop OS in a few years, the Pixel C will look like a pretty smart idea.
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by vessenes on Friday March 11, 2016 @02:05PM
(#11268739)
Interestingly, Brendan Eich called Android the Windows of the modern era just this week.
To me, ChromeOS has two things that make it far, far better than Android -- mandatory autoupdates and a far smaller attack surface. And, I think at a fundamental level those two reasons are why premium Android tablets just aren't appealing.
Maybe Android will be the default desktop OS, but in its current incarnation, it would be pushing a lot of brain damage on people.
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by cyphar on Saturday March 12, 2016 @07:05AM
(#11272513)
Given the fact that crouton exists, I am inclined to disagree. It also has implemented proper secure boot, something that is still difficult for most distros.
(I personally dislike tablets as a form factor and have both an iPad and Android tablet gathering dust, but people do seem to keep buying Android tablets.)
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by galago on Friday March 11, 2016 @12:20AM
(#11264800)
Your link doesn't imply that. It suggests that "other" is the category replacing iOS in the market, which are no-name brands. Its not a trend where consumers are paying $450 for a Google product, but one where they're paying $200 for something generic. Amazon and the other players are just holding their ground.
On the Apple side, I know people who bought the larger iPhone no longer felt a need for an iPad. I'm sure the same trend is true for Android, so its unclear who exactly is still buying tablets. Could it be people in markets/demographics where they can't get/afford full-featured phones?
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by kumarm on Friday March 11, 2016 @12:56AM
(#11264894)
Based on comments I think the purpose of the discount is being missed.
We are a Mobile app Company with significant presence on Android. The fact that this rebate made available at the time N Preview was released gave us enough push to order 1 so that we can test our apps on Android N in desktop like environment for Multi-Window support.
Re:Pixel C is 25% off for developers
by bradley_long on Friday March 11, 2016 @01:45AM
(#11265056)
> Offer2 only available in the United States while supplies last.
You may try to buy it with some logistic companies/ warehouse if the discount is larger than the service charge.
E.g. I am currently in Hong Kong. The service charge is USD33. If I buy the USD499 one, the discount is 124.75, still cheaper than buying in Hong Kong.
I feel like this article does a good job of explaining why it isn't selling well. MS Surface is a messy device in the sense that it cobbles together a bunch of old and new technologies, but in the old PC tradition, its a device where you can get the job done. Sure, Pixel C is for developers because Google wishes developers would build full featured productivity apps for Android. Its not surprising, and Pixel C is still too expensive for what it does.
A touch-oriented chrome device that could take a keyboard would be a lot more appealing to me than a premium android tablet. I'm not sure how common this perspective is, though. I definitely use my iPad Pro as a limited Macbook air..
"Internal politics" makes it sound like a mistake, but when Android replaces Windows as the default desktop OS in a few years, the Pixel C will look like a pretty smart idea.
To me, ChromeOS has two things that make it far, far better than Android -- mandatory autoupdates and a far smaller attack surface. And, I think at a fundamental level those two reasons are why premium Android tablets just aren't appealing.
Maybe Android will be the default desktop OS, but in its current incarnation, it would be pushing a lot of brain damage on people.
It's off 25% for developers in the US, for a limited amount of purchases.
> The Google Store Promotional Codes Terms apply. Offer2 only available in the United States while supplies last.
[1] https://pixel.google.com/developer-discount/
"The Google Store Promotional Codes Terms apply. Offer2 only available in the United States while supplies last. Privacy Policy"
(I personally dislike tablets as a form factor and have both an iPad and Android tablet gathering dust, but people do seem to keep buying Android tablets.)
On the Apple side, I know people who bought the larger iPhone no longer felt a need for an iPad. I'm sure the same trend is true for Android, so its unclear who exactly is still buying tablets. Could it be people in markets/demographics where they can't get/afford full-featured phones?
To save the other international readers a two clicks: Discount is sadly US only.
> Offer2 only available in the United States while supplies last.
You may try to buy it with some logistic companies/ warehouse if the discount is larger than the service charge. E.g. I am currently in Hong Kong. The service charge is USD33. If I buy the USD499 one, the discount is 124.75, still cheaper than buying in Hong Kong.