The Nexus 7 has provided Google with just the kind of start that the online search giant had set out to achieve. With some solid sales figures to its credit (although exact figures are yet to be made public), it’s now time for Google to further consolidate its position in the tablet market, and it aims to do so with a slew of new launches. This comprises of a mixed bag that includes upgrades to its existing line-up and a completely new device as well, though nothing has been confirmed as yet.
A new Nexus 7 version with on-board storage enhanced to 32 GB is the talk of the town right now. This would take the price slot currently occupied by the 16 GB version, which in turn will be pushed down to where the 8 GB currently is. What this means is that the new Nexus 7 will retail for $249.99—the same price as 16 GB Nexus 7—while the Nexus 16 price will come down to the introductory $199. Surely consumers couldn’t have asked for a better deal, what with data increasingly getting multimedia oriented and double the memory at the same price, which is very welcome in a device that does not allow for external storage options.
Strangely, Google does not seem the least bit inclined to publicly announce the device, which can be considered its worst kept secret in recent times. A 32 GB Nexus 7 had been delivered to a buyer in Japan, while Staples seems to have already started selling the device in the US. Yet Google continues to remain mum on it. In fact, a 3G version of the device is probably imminent, though we will have to wait until Oct 29 to know for sure.
Coming to the other new Nexus tablet news, a 10 inch version is possible. Of course, this is classified as a less reliable rumor than the one we just discussed. While details are limited, word on the street is claiming that it’s going to be a 10.1 inch device co-developed with Samsung. Further, the device is projected to boast of a range topping 2560 x 1600 pixel display, which translates to a stupendous 299 ppi. That’s quite a few pixels more than even the iPad 3.
Google is also expected to launch Android 4.2 at the Playground event on Oct 29, and it’s only natural for both the tablet devices to come pre-loaded with the latest Android iteration. Further details of the Nexus 10 codenamed Manta are awaited, though price will be an important factor in making the device palatable to the consumers. Google has played the price card to perfection with the Nexus 7 and it will be interesting to see what its pricing strategy will be with the Manta. While a device with such a high pixel density (if that is true) is not expected to come cheap, though Google might still spring a surprise on this. Even a price structure compared to that of the iPad can make it competitive enough. Hopefully, Google will have something interesting to share on this during the Oct 29 event it has lined up in New York.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
