14 DAY TRIAL // As we have seen in the most recent reports coming out of Asia, there’s a big possibility Google’s Nexus 8 will actually be an 8.9-inch tablet.
And now talking to CNET, IHS Technology’s Rhoda Alexander (director of the tablet and monitor research department) confirmed such a tablet is indeed coming. So is it possible Google will name the product Nexus 9 instead of Nexus 8 like we've been telling you so far?
You’re probably already familiar with the theory explaining why Google is aiming to take on the large-screen tablet market with this new Nexus slate. For starters, the small screen tablet eco-system has been getting increasingly crowded with multiple products, fact that led Nexus 7 2013 sales to fail rising up to expectations.
On top of that, due to continued pressure from the phablet sector that keeps launching products boasting screens with larger sizes, tablet manufacturers are automatically forced to increase the screen size of their slate, in order to better differentiate between products.
So in order to be able to compete in the developing large-screen tablet market, Google has to put out a product with a larger screen (namely 8.9-inch).
But reports coming from Asia, also claimed the Nexus 9 will be coming with a relatively wallet-friendly price tag of $299 / €214. But Rhoda Alexandra claims otherwise. She says the new Google slate is expected to be “high performance.”
“Volume production is expected to start in June or August. The expectation is [that] this will be a lower volume product, carrying a premium price tag to support the specifications.”
She doesn't provide a specific price range for the tablet, but claims she “wouldn't be surprised if it is higher than $299 / €214.” Asked about the possible manufacturer taking up Google’s new tablet endeavor, she bets her money on HTC.
However, many reports in the rumor mill seem to be whispering Google might be continuing the partnership started with ASUS with the first two Nexus models. On the other hand, HTC has been said to be tackling another matter, in the form of the elusive next-gen Nexus 10 tablet.
But lovers of the Nexus 7 form factor are in for a nice surprise in 2014. Apparently, a third-generation Nexus 7 is indeed in the cards for Google.
“We still expect to see a 3-rd generation of the Nexus 7 product at some point in 2014 but do not have any confirmation of actual contracts for such a product present.”
Google and HTC have both declined to comment on the allegations.