With the Google I/O conference around the corner, rumors have the next iteration of Nexus 7 being the key element of the upcoming event, while certain buzz also speaks of the slate’s price amounting to $199. While there is no verified word from the company itself, Ming-Chi Kuo who happens to be an analyst, has mentioned that the search giant will launch the next generation Asus-made 7-inch tablet next week.
Kuo has told those over at AppleInsider that the distribution model will reflect last year’s version more or less. This means that the Mountain View folks will continue selling the New Nexus 7 through the Play store and the tablet’s manufacturer will join forces with other retail stores so as to manage the sales of the higher-end iterations.
Taking a look at the research note that has floated ashore is enough to give us a fair idea about the slate for the moment. Even though the tablet has been said to possess a 7-inch screen similar to its ancestor, the resolution has been enhanced to 1,980 x 1,200 pixels from 1,280 x 800 pixels. Supposedly surrounding this display is a bezel narrower than that of the currently prevalent device.
Expecting Android Key Lime Pie may be farfetched and the aforementioned post has suggested something on the lines of 4.x Jelly Bean. The research note however has blatantly pinpointed at the OS’ 4.3 version. Additionally, the gadget should include Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 as its processor.
If these reports are anything to go by, the slab should conceal a generous 4,000mAh battery beneath its flip side. And there is quite the chance that it proffers the perks of Qi wireless charging, as offered by a host of Nokia’s recent smartphones. Additionally, Kuo says that the company has been working on an Android Book laptop, OTT (over-the-top) TV box and a smartwatch.
While Google may or may not be prepping up to employ its upcoming event as a platform to pull the wraps of the new Nexus 7, Apple has allegedly been witnessing delays with the iPad mini 2 which is expected to be the tablet’s direct competitor. According to the grapevine, the Cupertino-based conglomerate’s compact device which was meant to arrive in the third quarter of this year has been postponed to a further date.
Rumored specifications:
– Display: 7-inch LTPS touch screen
– Resolution: 1,980 x 1,200 pixels
– Platform: Android 4.3
– Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro
– Camera: 5MP primary and 720p secondary
– Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
– Battery: 4,000mAh