As it turns out, yesterday’s mystery tablet is the Nexus 10

May 27, 2014 06:59 GMT  ·  By

In anticipation of Google’s I/O event, things are heating up. Google has just set up the official page for the event and, in the process, also teased us with a mysterious tablet.

Naturally, since the Nexus 8 is expected to make a debut at the event, it was assumed the unidentified slate was Google and HTC's mutual endeavor.

But as it turns out, the search giant continues to keep the Nexus 8 a secret. PhoneArena was tipped that the image on Google I/O page is the same found on the Bay Area Event Photography website showcasing the Nexus 10 tablet at the conference a year ago.

So it’s not the Nexus 8 but rather the Nexus 10 shown as part of the Chrome game “Racer” demo. The angle at which the photograph was taken might have had something to do with the confusion.

It would have been interesting if the image had showed the now-mythical next-gen Nexus 10 , a tablet whose existence has been heavily disputed in the last few months. The slate was expected to arrive on multiple occasions but failed to materialize in real-life.

Despite being marked as “Out of stock” in the Google Play Store, the original Nexus 10 made a come-back, indicating that Google has abandoned the idea of providing a 10-inch successor altogether.

So, all our hopes lie with the Nexus 8 now. The new slate will come with an 8-inch screen (or 8.9-inch for that matter) and the rumor mill has it the device could even end up sporting a 2K display.

Another possibility is that we’re going to see the 8-incher arrive with Android 4.5, but of course there hasn't been any official confirmation on the topic.

At this point, we’re expecting the Nexus 8 to arrive with a price-tag above average. For this reason, the tablet will probably be a lower volume product, with production set to kickstart in June or August.

Another surprise at the Google I/O would be if a third-generation Nexus 7 tablet makes an appearance. Back in HIS Technology’s Rhonda Alexander claimed Google is yet to abandon the Nexus 7 platform, but she couldn't provide further evidence on the topic.

Anyway, Google’s event is scheduled for 25-26 June, so for those interested in a Nexus 8, third-generation Nexus 7 or maybe a revamped version of the Nexus 10, be sure to mark the dates in your calendars and tune in.