You will be able to turn off the microphone with a physical button
The new Pixel Tablet images published by SnoopyTech include a physical key that has not been seen before on the device. The fact that the tablet will also be used as a smart home station indicates that this key may be for privacy. Presumably, this key will serve to block direct microphone access, like the key on Nest Hub devices.
Since the images released at the end of 2022 do not include this button, it is thought that Google has just decided to add this button. The Pixel Tablet, which is expected to have a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, will be introduced before the end of the year.