14 DAY TRIAL // The purported Nexus 8 tablet has been in the rumor mill for some time now and there’s currently little doubt that the slate will be unveiled at the Google I/O event scheduled for next month.
According to sources, Google is gearing up to take up production of 8-inch tablets (some rumors say 8.9-inch) at the expense of its Nexus 7 line.
Anyway, as the event is drawing closer and closer, Google has set up its conference website and surprise-surprise, the header image shows a mysterious slate.
Certainly, we can’t be sure this is the upcoming Nexus 8 tablet, but there’s a big possibility it is. The image doesn't really tell us much, except we’re dealing with a possible 8-incher with a relatively wide bezel.
Also visible in the picture is at least one front-facing speaker. The header teases “Let’s invent! Let’s invent! Let’s geek out” and most interestingly “Let’s break stuff. Let’s hack!” Our attention is definitely there.
The new Nexus 8 will no longer be manufactured by ASUS, as the Nexus 7 tablet. Instead, Google has taken up a collaboration with HTC, which the search giant has been courting for a while now.
It appears HTC has recognized the need to penetrate the slate market and this is something lots of tablet fans have been hoping for.
The Nexus 8 tablet is expected to arrive with a price-tag a little above average, something that would revolve around $299 / €214.
The slate should come equipped with a 2K display and could be running the latest Android 4.5 build, but this is still pure speculation at this point.
Back in March, HIS Technology’s Rhonda Alexandra claimed volume production for the device was set to kickstart in June or August. She also noted that the slate was expected to be a lower volume product, due to the premium price tag.
During the same interview, she mentioned that a 3rd generation Nexus 7 tablet was not out of the cards yet. Actually, she claimed the product would arrive somewhere in 2014, but so far they have no confirmation on actual contracts involving such products.
Anyway, putting all speculations apart, we will know for sure what’s what in a month’s time or so.
Those of you who have an interest in the Nexus 8, should mark the 25-26 June date in your calendar, because that’s when Google’s I/O 2014 event is scheduled to take place. And other surprises are in stores for us there, too.