The Google Pixel Tablet is already very similar to the Nest Hub Max, which also happens to be a full Android tablet. However, the list of available features is not identical, and the Pixel Tablet is missing a few things. However, things could change, and two key features of the Nest Hub Max may make their way to the Pixel Tablet.

An update to the Google app (via 9to5Google) suggests that "Look and Talk" and Quick Gestures may be coming to the Pixel Tablet in a future update. Both of these would add much-needed functionality when the tablet is stored in the charging dock and effectively in "nest mode."

Look and Talk would provide the ability to talk to Google Assistant without being prompted by a wake-up command. If you are within 5 feet of the device, you can simply look at the tablet to issue a command. Unless you happen to be across the room, there is no need to bother saying "Hey Google" to get things done.

Quick gestures are a bit similar, but use physical movements instead of actual words. This allows you to control certain parts of the device when you need to be quiet or don't want to talk. With a simple wave of the hand, one can stop a timer, snooze an alarm, control media playback, etc.

These are not what I would call must-have features, but they are nice to have, and given Google's positioning of the Pixel Tablet as a portable Nest hub and the relative simplicity of both features, it is rather strange that they were not included at launch.

Given that the charging dock and the tablet's ability to function as a Nest-style device is one of its distinguishing features, improving this feature only increases the Pixel Tablet's chances of success. Especially since the Pixel Tablet is clearly designed to be a more casual device rather than a productivity enhancer.

Better late than never, as the saying goes. That said, it is unclear when these two features will actually make it to the Pixel Tablet. But if they are included soon, there may be one more reason to look out for discounts on the Pixel Tablet during the Black Friday sales.