Murena launches a Google-free version of the Pixel Tablet.
Prevent Google from collecting your personal data.
Andrew Liszewski is a senior reporter who has been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and technology since 2011, but his passion for electronics dates back to his childhood. The French company Murena, known for launching various privacy-focused smartphones, has introduced its first tablet. This company customizes mobile devices using a version of Android called /e/OS, which removes Google apps and services, thereby preventing the search giant from collecting personal information and user data.
The Murena Pixel Tablet is an adapted version of Google’s Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, and follows the same customization strategy of the company. Although users cannot choose the color or opt for more than 128 GB of storage, it offers the peace of mind that a large corporation will not be monitoring every action taken on the device.
Announced for the first time last December, the Murena Pixel Tablet is now available in the company’s online store for $549. This price is significantly higher compared to the 128 GB version of Google’s Pixel Tablet, which currently retails for $399 or $479 if purchased as part of a bundle with a charging dock not included in the Murena option.
Part of Murena’s strategy to minimize Google’s influence on the Pixel Tablet includes the removal of the Google Play Store. Apps can be downloaded through the /e/OS App Lounge, which acts as an interface for the Play Store, allowing users to explore and obtain free apps anonymously. However, to download paid apps, it is necessary to log in with a Google account.
Although the various Google productivity apps are not included, the Murena Pixel Tablet offers privacy-focused alternatives for messaging, email, maps, web browsing, calendar, contacts, notes, and even voice recordings. Murena Workspace, the company’s version of services like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365, provides productivity apps and 1 GB of secure online storage at no cost. Users can increase this capacity to 20 GB of cloud storage for $2.49 per month or $24.90 per year, or up to 128 GB for $7.49 per month or $74.90 annually.
