French technology company Murena has unveiled its first tablet offering – a modified version of Google’s Pixel Tablet that removes all Google services and apps in favour of privacy-focused alternatives. The device launch marks a significant expansion of Murena’s de-Googled device portfolio.
The new Murena Pixel Tablet, priced at $549, represents a notable premium over Google’s original version, which currently retails for $399. Unlike the standard Pixel Tablet, Murena’s variant doesn’t include Google’s charging speaker dock, which typically comes bundled at $479.
At the heart of this privacy-focused tablet is /e/OS, Murena’s customized version of Android that eliminates Google’s data collection capabilities. The system replaces Google’s suite of applications with privacy-conscious alternatives for essential functions like messaging, email, maps, web browsing, calendar management, contacts, and voice recordings.
The device retains the hardware specifications of the original 2023 Pixel Tablet, offering 128GB of storage as the sole configuration option. While users lose access to the Google Play Store, Murena provides its App Lounge as an alternative. This platform functions as a front-end for the Play Store, enabling anonymous browsing and free app downloads without Google account requirements. However, paid applications still necessitate Google account authentication.
Murena’s solution for productivity comes in the form of Murena Workspace, a privacy-focused alternative to Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365. The service includes basic productivity applications and offers 1GB of secure cloud storage at no cost. Users can expand their storage capacity to 20GB for $2.49 monthly ($24.90 annually) or opt for 128GB at $7.49 monthly ($74.90 annually).
The tablet’s launch reflects growing consumer demand for privacy-focused technology alternatives. By removing Google’s services and implementing privacy-conscious replacements, Murena addresses increasing concerns about data collection and digital privacy in the tablet market.
The higher price point potentially reflects the development costs associated with creating and maintaining an independent ecosystem of privacy-focused applications and services. While this may present a barrier for some consumers, it positions the device as a premium option for users prioritizing digital privacy over cost considerations.
This release builds upon Murena‘s existing lineup of de-Googled smartphones, demonstrating the company’s commitment to expanding its privacy-focused device ecosystem. The move signals a growing market for alternatives to mainstream tech products that prioritize user privacy over convenience and integration with major tech platforms.
News Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/615195/murena-pixel-tablet-android-google-privacy-security
