Google Pixel C Tablet Gets Pixel Smartphone Look With Android 7.1.2 Update

Google is finally updating its Pixel C tablets to Android 7.1.2. Just a few weeks ago, the Mountain View giant released the beta version of the software to beta testers. Now that the official launch is here, it’s noticeable that Google intends to turn its tablet to a larger version of its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.

On Sunday, Android 7.1.2 update was rolled out to public users. The Verge noticed right away that the update transforms the Pixel C tablet’s interface into a similar aesthetic as that of the Pixel phones — the most obvious similarities being the blue-gray tone. Apart from the color tweak, the Pixel tablet and phones now have the same navigation buttons and rounded app icons.

On Reddit, some beta testers shared their thoughts about the official release. Some noted that Google ditched the app drawer with this update. Users will now have to swipe up from the base of the screen to access all of the apps. One also pointed out that the navigation bars have been moved closer to the edges of the screen.

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There were also complaints on how Google missed to fix the Weather widget problem that was found in the beta. Apparently, when tapping the widget, it brings users to the portrait-locked Google Weather screen. This could be pretty annoying to users who docked their Pixel C tablet to its keyboard in landscape mode.

Android 7.1.2 also brings a new multi-tasking menu to the Pixel C tablet. Now users can easily select from and switch between running apps. The menu accommodates up to eight apps, so this will be enough to grant users instant access to their favorite apps that they have open.

Engadget has learned that the Google search bar is also gone with the new software update. Users will now see the “G” logo on the top left of the screen, and they can tap or swipe this logo across if they want to access the search app.

For users who want to update to Android 7.1.2, they should check if the update is available in their region first. To do this, they need to go to the Settings app, select “About” and look for System Update. Users will receive a “System update available” notification if the software update is already available to download in their area.