Google is said to be launching a new smaller tablet this year too

Mar 18, 2014 09:16 GMT  ·  By

Remember that no more than a week ago, sources coming from Asia claimed the upcoming Nexus 8 will actually sport a screen larger than expected, of 8.9-inch capacity, meant to enable Google to compete in the larger screen slate market.

Now more information coming from the infamous DigiTimes publication adds new bits to story. As you might well know, this year we expect to see an intensification of larger screen tablets arrive on the market.

Due to continuous pressure from the phablet sector that keeps launching products bundling screen with larger sizes, tablet manufacturers are also forced to increase the screen sizes of their slates.

The new report says Google is ready to skip the 8-inch form factor and jump straight for 8.9 inches, a size that enters the large tablet category and will allow the search giant to compete with other brand vendors currently offering the maxi-slates on the market.

The 8.9-incher is said to be entering mass production this July and will come boasting a 2K display.

Also, the report claims that Google won’t renounce the small tablet market and will roll out a new mini-tablet model in 2014.

Last year, Android had a 50% penetration in the small-to-medium slate market and is expected to see growth, as vendors rely on their 8-inch models. The 7-inch market will continue to be viable this year, due to the advent of slates with phone capabilities that further blur the line between tablet and smartphone.

In the large-size tablet market, things are a bit different, with Android accounting for just 30% in 2013, with Apple taking up the big chunk of the market. Windows is trailing behind the two with 10% market share.

Judging by Google’s disadvantage in the large-size tablet sector, the release of the 8.9-inch model complete with a good price/performance ratio will bring in good consumer demand.

Furthermore, other Android tablet markers might be motivated to abandon 8-inch tablet production and push for the adoption of tablets with larger screens.

Moreover, the report concludes with another interesting piece of information. According to it, the 8.9-inch Nexus should come bundling the quite affordable $299 / €214 price-tag.

The tablet is expected to arrive with the new Android 4.5 / 5.0 when it’s unveiled at Google’s I/O in June, a detail that will further boost the appeal of the new product.

However, a recent rumor claims Google will not be showing off a new version of Android this year, which might mean the search giant is looking to focus on its smartwatch effort.