From the ever-evolving world of Android tablets today comes news of Google’s much-anticipated new line of Nexus devices. As Nate Hoffelder points out at The Digital Reader, Google was initially planning on unveiling the new devices at a media event in New York City today, which was cancelled as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Instead, they went with a simple press release-style blog post, which you can see here.
Click on over to Nate’s newer post on the tablets if you’re interested in parsing the devices’ details and specs. If you’re just looking for the bottom line, though, here it is, direct from Google:
Nexus 7: The biggest news for 7-inch users is that the 8 GB version Google launched with a few months ago is out, and a 16 GB version is in at the same $199 price point. A 32 GB version will run $249. And because Google wanted to make the tablet even more mobile than its previous version, an HSPA+ mobile data option was added; that particular model comes with 32 GB ($299). (Available now in the Google Play Store, and at Gamestop, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Walmart. The Nexus 7 with 32GB and mobile data, however, won’t be available until November 13; it’ll be sold in the Google Play Store.)
Nexus 10: For those who prefer their tablets larger, Google is coming out with a 10-inch version that offers a remarkable 2560 x 1600 (300 ppi) resolution, front-facing 1.2 and rear-facing 5 megapixel cameras, and 2 GB of RAM. The 16 GB version will be $399, and a 32 GB version will run you $499. Both versions of the tablet run on Android 4.2, an updated version of Jelly Bean. According to Google, this is now “the highest resolution tablet on the planet.” Google also claims that the Nexus 10 “comes with a powerful battery that will get you up to nine hours of video playback.” (Available on November 13 in the Google Play Store, and at Walmart.)
For me, the most remarkable thing about this is the resolution of the 10-inch tablet. Google has definitely stolen a march on the 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi) iPad 3 and 4. In fact, 300 dpi is basically laser print quality, giving you the same resolution as a printed piece of paper for book reading. While E Ink is said to be easier on the eyes than LCD, a resolution of this scale, combined with anti-aliasing, should provide an unparalleled reading experience in almost every respect. —Chris Meadows
Aside from the U.S., the new tablets will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK.
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