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Asus could debut a new Nexus 8 tablet later this year, says a “supply chain” source close to Digitimes.
Related stories:
- Intel’s Bay Trail chip arriving on Android tablets in Q2
- LG’s G Pad 8.3 offers Google Play Edition with Android 4.4
- Powerful, pure Android phones
The tablet will reportedly debut sometime after February and could include Intel’s Bay Trail processor. Perhaps coincidentally, the timing dovetails with Intel’s recent statement that Bay Trail tablets would arrive in the second quarter.
As to why Google has shifted away from the Nexus 7 to a slightly larger form factor, the anonymous tipster points to a “weak” demand for the refreshed 7-inch tablet.
Without knowing any additional details, the logical time to introduce a new Nexus device would be at Google I/O. Although a date has not been determined for the 2014 conference we might look to May or June. Then again, Google is not above introducing a new product without much fanfare at all. The current Nexus 7 made its debut at a “Breakfast with Sundar” back in July 2013.
It’s certainly worth pointing out that DigiTimes has a spotty track record and has missed the mark on more than one occasion. On the other hand, we’ve got plenty of conflicting rumors about the next-gen Nexus 10 — why not toss this tablet into the mix? In other words, don’t be surprised to see names like Samsung, LG, or Qualcomm mentioned before things are over.
In the meantime, those looking for a pure Google experience in an 8-inch form factor should check out the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition.
