NVIDIA might try to take on the Pixel Slate with a new 2-in-1 tablet

According to some code found in the latest version of the NVIDIA Shield Experience software — as first spotted by XDA Developers — it’s possible that Nvidia is working on a new 2-in-1 tablet. The company hasn’t released a tablet product since 2015’s NVIDIA Shield K1.

XDA’s findings show that the newest version of Shield Experience — which powers its streaming boxes and its tablets — references a codename “Mystique.” This Mystique product can quickly switch between three modes: desktop, tablet, and a third mode called “dynamic.”

While there’s no concrete details about a new piece of hardware in that small amount of information, it does seem to strongly suggest that NVIDIA is optimizing Shield Experience to work with a new product that can switch between tablet and desktop modes. This suggests a 2-in-1 hybrid laptop, similar to the Google Pixel Slate or the Microsoft Surface.

Since this development is happening within Shield Experience, it’s safe to assume that this product would be based on Android, not Chrome OS or Windows.

This rumor is a little shaky already, but the alleged specs of the device are even shakier still. XDA posits that the 2-in-1 could have a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 3,000 x 2,000. However, those specs could be far outdated or just placeholders within the code.

All signs point to the Google Pixel Slate not faring too well with audiences, leaving a ripe opportunity for a company like NVIDIA to step in. Since the tablet would come from NVIDIA, there’s a high likelihood it would have a gaming focus.

What do you think? Are you in the market for an Android tablet/laptop from NVIDIA? Let us know in the comments.

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