Talk of hi-res Nexus 7 picks up ahead of Google I/O
While it is sounding less and less likely that we will see a new Nexus phone at this year’s Google I/O, it’s an almost certainty that Google will take next week’s developer conference as opportunity to unveil an updated Nexus 7 tablet. We’ve heard whispers about what such an update will entail over the past several months, but we are not being treated to what could very well be the ASUS-made device’s final spec sheet.
Topping the list is an upgraded display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (making it 1080p capable). In addition, Google will add a 5MP camera, throw in a new Snapdragon 800 CPU, and manage to keep the whole thing at the original’s price point of $199. The display would feature a “narrow bezel” design and boast a pixel density of 323 ppi. Wireless charging is expected to be included.
That would be quite the tablet for its price point, the only downside being that the slate might not ship with a brand-spanking-new Android build on board. According to KGI analyst Minghchi Kuo, Android 5.0 likely won’t be ready to debut at Google I/O. Instead, we could see it a bit later in the year alongside Android-powered netbooks from Samsung.
Google is also said to be working on a Google TV device more in the class of the current Apple TV as well as a smart watch. The latter is not expected to come to fruition until sometime in 2014 and will be part of Google’s wearable computing line including Glass.
For now, though, it looks like we can at least look forward to a pretty nice little update to the Nexus 7. While it may not be earth shattering, it will surely light a fire under other low-cost tablet manufacturers.
[via TechCrunch]