Gadgets24.07.2013

New Google Nexus 7 unveiled, boasts category leading tech

Google Nexus 7 2013

Google on Wednesday (24 July 2013) showcased a new and more powerful Nexus 7; a slimmer version of its year-old tablet PC.

The device boasts a 1920×1200 screen with 323 pixels-per-inch (up from 1280×800, 216PPI on the 2012 model), which Google claims makes it the highest resolution device in the 7-inch class.

The new Nexus 7 will be the first device shipped running stock Android 4.3; it will hit US retail on 30 July 2013.

While technical specifics were lacking, Google did give an overview of improvements to the 2013 Nexus 7:

  • CPU: 1.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (quad core);
  • GPU: Adreno 320;
  • Storage: 16GB or 32GB;
  • 2GB RAM;
  • 1920 x 1200 resolution screen (323PPI, 7-inch);
  • 4G LTE optional;
  • 2mm thinner and lighter frame; soft-touch rubberised plastic; and
  • Front (1.2MP) and rear (5MP) cameras
  • Stereo speakers and virtual surround sound from Fraunhofer (the inventors of the MP3 format).

The Nexus 7 will come in three models, with US pricing starting from:

  • US$229: 16GB Wi-Fi;
  • US$269: 32GB Wi-Fi; and
  • US$349: 32GB LTE.

The Wi-Fi versions will ship in the US on 30 July, with the LTE model following in “coming weeks”.

Android 4.3

Google announced that Android 4.3 is rolling out to Nexus devices starting today (24 July 2013).

Android 4.3 introduces restricted profiles, which limit access to apps and content. Usage scenarios include parental controls, retail stores using tablets to show off product information, and shops using tablets as point of sale systems.

Android 4.3 will support Bluetooth Smart technology, which can connect to other devices such as fitness sensors.

The Nexus of Google’s ecosystem

The Internet search company hopes the 2013 Nexus 7 tablet will expand its presence in consumer hardware and ensure its online services remain front-and-center on mobile devices.

Google is also making a push into supplementing the learning environment with academic e-books, and at launch will have a large selection of books from five major publishing houses. Books can be purchased outright, or rented for 6 months.

In the US market, these test books will become available in early August, with discounts of up to 80%.

This Nexus 7 news comes a week before Google’s Motorola division is expected to unveil the “Moto X” smartphone in New York.

The Moto X represents the first phone Motorola has developed since it was acquired by Google for $12.5 billion in May 2012, and is central to relaunching the venerable brand into a hotly competitive mobile market.

Sources: TechCrunch, Huffington Post, Google; Additional reporting by Reuters

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