Today was the first day of Google I/O 2012. This morning, Google introduced the highly anticipated Nexus 7 tablet (built by Asus). Like the Nexus line of phones, this tablet is considered Google’s “flagship” tablet and is the “pure-Android” experience, without any manufacturer modifications or skins.
The specifications of the Nexus 7 are as follows:
- Dimensions: 198.5 x 120 x 10.45 mm
- Weight: 340 grams
- Display: 7-inch IPS screen with Corning Gorilla Glass (1280 by 800 resolution – 216 ppi)
- Storage: 8 or 16 GB
- CPU: 1.3 GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU (w/ 12-core GPU)
- RAM: 1 GB
- Camera: 1.2 MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 4325 mAh (Up to 8 hours of active use)
- Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth
- Connectivity: Micro-USB
Perhaps the tablet’s most attractive feature is its price tag of $199 (or $249 for the 16 GB model). This puts the tablet in direct competition with the equally priced Amazon Kindle Fire.
The Nexus 7 is also the first device to run Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean”. This latest release of Android includes numerous new features, including better notifications, greatly enhanced performance (Project Butter), and better voice control.
This could be a serious threat to the Kindle Fire, since the Fire runs an Amazon-customized version of Android (and is locked down to Amazon services), lacks the front camera, and has a dual core processor instead. This could change with the second-generation Kindle Fire, which is rumored to be announced in the next month or so.
The Nexus 7 is now available for pre-order at the Google Play store and will ship in about 2-3 weeks. Ordering now also gives you $25 credit to spend in the Google Play store.
What do you think of the new Nexus 7? Are you planning on ordering one? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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