Google Will Sell Subsidized Nexus Tablets Directly To Consumers Via Online Webstore [Rumor]
WSJ is confirming what many of us have suspected all along. According to the Journal, Google will be entering the tablet market with their very own Nexus tablet (possibly more than one) that they will sell directly to consumers via their online webstore. Big “G” wont actually be manufacturing any of this hardware themselves, instead allowing ASUS and Samsung to do all the labor for them. It’s also being said that Google will be subsidizing these tablets, keeping them around a $200-ish price-point where they plan to make up some of the costs through Play Store purchases. These tablets will challenge Amazon’s red-headed Android tab, the Kindle Fire.
And yes, before you remind us that Google’s tried the direct-to-consumer route before and it didn’t exactly work out so well for the Nexus One — you’re right. But, the world wasn’t exactly ready for unsubsidized $600 handsets, not to mention carrier demands no doubt got in the way of their plans. Makes you wonder if this tablet idea takes off (and why the heck shouldn’t it?) if Google will consider reentering the off-contract smartphone handset business once again? I know, we’re getting way ahead of ourselves here, so let’s deal with matters at hand.
What do you guys think of this news? Would you consider buying a $200 Nexus tablet direct from Google? Would you like them to offer a more expensive, higher-end model (possibly from Samsung)? So exciting!