Google is planning an 8.9-inch Nexus tablet for release later this year, IHS Technology tells CNET.
The product is expected to be “high-performance,” said Rhoda Alexander, director tablet and monitor research at IHS Technology in an email to CNET.
“Volume production is expected to start in July or August,” she said. “The expectation is [that] this will be a lower volume product, carrying a premium price tag to support the specifications.”
Alexander does not the know the pricing but said she “would not be surprised if it is higher than $299.” HTC may be the manufacturer, according to Alexander.
Other recent reports out of Asia also suggest that Google is eying an 8.9-inch device.
Amazon already markets the very well-received Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.
And what about a refreshed Google Nexus 7? “We still expect to see a 3rd generation of the Nexus 7 product at some point in 2014 but do not have any confirmation of actual contracts for such a product at present,” Alexander said.
Neither Google nor HTC has yet to respond to a request for comment.