In a surprising turn of events, the long-anticipated Pixel Tablet Pen has emerged from the shadows, making its debut on various online retail platforms. Initially hinted at during the launch of the Pixel Tablet in 2023, this stylus accessory was rumored to be in development alongside a keyboard, yet both remained elusive until now. A fortunate reader recently acquired the device and confirmed its compatibility with Android’s built-in note-taking feature.
Functionality and Setup
The Pixel Tablet Pen features a tail button designed to enhance user experience, but initial reports indicate that it does not function out of the box. To activate the button, users must first pair the stylus with the Pixel Tablet via Bluetooth. This process involves pressing and holding the button until it begins to pulse, followed by navigating to the Bluetooth settings to connect the device.
Once paired, users must enable two specific settings to unlock the full potential of the stylus:
- First, navigate to Settings > System > Developer options and toggle the “force enable Notes role” option. A reboot of the device is required after this step.
- Next, select a “default notes app” under Settings > Apps > Default apps. Notably, Google Keep is not supported, so alternatives like Open Note or Notein must be utilized.
After completing these steps, the tail button will function as intended, allowing users to launch their chosen notes app in a floating bubble with a simple press. The Bluetooth device details page for the Pixel Tablet Pen will also display options such as “tail button press,” “write in text fields,” “ignore all stylus button presses,” and “allow apps to show pointer while hovering.”
A video demonstration by reader Charlie Callow showcases the tail button’s functionality, illustrating how a press launches the default notes app, Open Note, seamlessly into view.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Pixel Tablet Pen, it is important to note that there has been no official announcement regarding a successor to the Pixel Tablet, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the future of this innovative accessory.
