Spotted by eagle-eyed tech journalist and increasingly prolific leaker Roland Quandt in the Geekbench processor benchmarking database, the “Google Rammus” carries an equally cryptic “Shyvana” motherboard codename, while packing an Intel Core m3-8100Y chipset.
That just so happens to be the same processor found under the hood of a $799 Pixel Slate configuration with 8GB RAM and 64GB internal storage space, although this pre-launch “Rammus” testing unit only appears to feature 4 gigs of random-access memory.
What’s infinitely weirder is the unreleased prototype runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat, which is now two full generations behind the times. It’s hard to explain why Google would be assessing the performance of a new slate with such an outdated OS version onboard, but then again, it obviously doesn’t make a lot of sense to be preparing any sort of a Pixel Slate sequel or spin-off already.
There’s always the possibility this is actually an entirely different product, like maybe a new Pixelbook variant of some sort or a smart speaker on steroids. The Chrome OS-powered, Android app-running Pixelbook laptop/tablet hybrid still only comes in pricey Core i5 and i7 configurations, so that’s not a totally far-fetched theory. But smart speakers and smart displays probably don’t need Intel Core m3 chips.
Like the Google “Bonito” purportedly benchmarked a little while ago, the “Rammus” could be a shelved or canceled device, which would explain the old software platform build listed here. Unfortunately, all we have right now are suppositions and possibilities.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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