Report Hints At Cheaper Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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The GoogleNexus 7 is already a relatively low-priced tablet but according to Digitimes, the online search giant is reportedly working on a much-cheaper version of the device.

The Google Nexus 7 was offered with a $199 price tag, which impressed a number of consumers. However, Google is reportedly working on offering a similar device that is priced under $150 with the ultimate goal of selling one at a price tag of $99.

The Taiwan-based tech site indicated that the low-priced Google Nexus 7 will be available in the market by the second quarter of 2013.

Components for the low-priced Nexus 7 tablet were already shipped by O-Film this month. The manufacturer reportedly offers a touch-screen glass to glass film technology that helped bring down the cost of producing the device aside from making is slimmer.

The lower production expenses will eventually bring down the price of the Google Nexus 7 to $99 although it is not possible for the moment. The report indicated that the upcoming model of the device will be price from $129 to $149.

First quarter deliveries are expected to reach 600,000 units according to delivery estimates. By offering the Google Nexus 7 at a price lower than $150 is seen as a challenge to the iPad Mini of Apple, which is priced around $329. When the price will go down to $99, the Google Nexus 7 is expected to give the tablet offering of Apple a run for its money. The quality of the low-priced Google Nexus 7 will reportedly compete with the quality offered by the iPad of Apple.

However, since the report is based on the supply chain of the device, its accuracy remains to be seen. Orders for the unconfirmed components of the supposed low-price Google Nexus 7 may be cancelled by the company any time, which means the report should be taken with a grain of salt.

For the moment, around one million units of the Google Nexus 7 is delivered by Asus and Google each month.

User Gets Google Glass After Google Nexus 7 Tablet Gets Torched

Torched Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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An image posted on a Chinese forum showed a Google Nexus 7 device smoking while it was being charged using the original charger from the factory. Due to this, the insides of the device were practically torched making the device an overpriced paperweight.

This may not have been what the company had in mind when it wanted to release a smoking-hottablet into the market. Some industry watchers consider this more of a problem in the electrical grid of a country rather than a problem with the Google Nexus 7 tablet itself. But with a number of reports that showed overheating and malfunctioning devices, there may be some credence to the story that there may have been something wrong with the Google Nexus 7 tablet itself.

However, this bad luck for the Chinese user of the Google Nexus 7 tablet appears to turn out for the best since Asus is reportedly giving the user more than a replacement to the damaged device. In addition to the device that was supposedly damaged due to some problems with its charging mechanism, the company will supposedly offer the user a set of Google Glasses for free.

The story itself does not sit well with some industry watchers although if it is accurate, then there is a possibility that a number of Google Nexus 7 tablet users may find ways in “accidentally” torching their own units in order to get a pair of Google glasses for free.

Instagram App For Google Nexus 7 Tablet Released

Instagram for Google Nexus 7

The Instagram app for the Android OS was updated recently to allow it to support the Jelly Bean Android OS that comes with the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Although the Google Nexus 7 tablet does not feature a camera at the back, the latest update has allowed the Instagram app to support the device. The images can be recorded through the camera in front of the device or users can also upload images into the storage of the tablet before uploading them into the servers of Instagram.

In addition to the support for the latest product offering of the online search giant by the Instagram app, Flickr sharing support was also added by Instagram. With Flickr sharing support Yahoo users will be able to share images into the photo sharing service of Yahoo by simply adding their accounts through the sharing settings of the Instagram app. The settings are located on the main setting page of the Instagram app.

The reasonable $200 price tag of the Google Nexus 7 tablet has allowed the device to become among the more popular Android-powered tablets for the moment. The Google Nexus 7 tablet features the Jelly Bean Android 4.1 OS, which is the most recent version of the Google mobile OS. It features a seven-inch screen display, quad-core Tegra 3 processor, and a 1.2MP camera in front. The updated Instagram app will allow users of the application to share images that they record using the device.

Display Issue On Google Nexus 7 Tablet Emerges

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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Some things are too good to be true and it appears that this is true for the Google Nexus 7tablet, which started deliveries to consumers recently.

As Android enthusiasts start to get the hang of using the tablet featuring the latest version of the Android OS, the Jelly Bean Android 4.1, some owners of the Google Nexus 7 tablet have reportedly found some issues with the screen of the device. An image was posted by Faux123 on Twitter that show some light coming through the side of the tablet. The posted image was initially found by Pocketnow.

Another issue that was discovered by one user of the Google Nexus 7 tablet was a creaky bezel. However jam10238, an XDA user, fixed the issue instead of sending it back for repairs. The user simply opened the portion between the plastic and the leather using a flat screwdriver. After opening the case of the Google Nexus 7 tablet, the user tightened the Phillips screws found at the back of the screen and dealt with the creaking sounds on the device. Although the issue was resolved, the user indicated that owners of the Google Nexus 7 tablet should do this at their own risk.

Similar creaking sounds were also noted by other users of the device and they solved the problem in a similar fashion. Since the back cover was not intended to be opened, users may have to do this at their own risk.

However it appears that the issue may be limited to a small number of users of the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

It is recommended that users who experience the issue should send the Google Nexus 7 tablet to Asus through a return merchandize authorization or RMA. However since the RMA website of Asus is only for the Eee PCs, notebooks, PDAs and LCD Displays, users will have to bring their units to the nearest Asus service center.

Release of Google Nexus 7 Affects Amazon Kindle Fire Projection

Amazon Kindle Fire

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It appears that the release of the Google Nexus 7 tablet has already started to affect the Amazon Kindle Fire, that is, in terms of the sales projected by an analyst.

Kevin Kopelman, an analyst from Cowen, reduced the projected revenue of Amazon along with the sales of the Amazon Kindle and Amazon Kindle Fire since the earlier projected sales of the devices were not quite realistic. The reduction in the projection comes prior to the introduction of the Amazon Kindle Fire 2.

The Amazon Kindle Fire became popular mainly due to its rather cheap price tag of around $200. The success of the device resulted to the entry of a number of similarly-priced devices into the market, one of which is the Google Nexus 7 tablet, which has the same selling price.

In addition to the Google Nexus 7 tablet, the Amazon Kindle Fire will have to deal with the upcoming iPad Mini of Apple, which is expected to be released before the end of the year.

The projected sales of the Amazon Kindle Fire were reduced by Kopelman from around 14 million to around 12 million for the year. Four million units of the device were sold by the company last year despite being launched in the later part of the year. The projected growth of the Amazon Kindle e-reader was also reduced to around three percent from an initial projected growth of thirty percent since the projections were not realistic.

The focus on the Amazon Kindle Fire by the retail giant also affected the sales of the Amazon Kindle e-reader, which was removed by target from its stores last May. However Kopelman indicated that sales of the Amazon devices are projected to reach around 16.3 million for the year, which is higher compared to 15.9 million units last year.

Some industry watchers had already expected the sales of the Amazon Kindle Fire to be affected by the release of the Google Nexus 7 tablet, which was supposedly made to compete directly with the product offering of Amazon.

iPad Mini Release May Affect Google Nexus 7 Sales

iPad Mini

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The iPadmini of Apple is expected to be released into the market within the year with a price tag of around $300. The smaller version of the iPad will reportedly have a height of around eight inches and may be a threat to the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

The sales of the Google Nexus 7 tablet were solid from the moment it was released into the market. This gives indications of a strong demand for smaller-sized tablets and with the reported release of the iPad mini, it appears that Apple may be set in maintaining its dominance in the market.

The recent reports that indicated that the iPad mini may be priced at around $300, will make it more expensive compared to the Google Nexus 7 tablet. This price difference may reduce the threat that the iPad mini will have on the recently-released Google tablet.

However Gene Munster, an analyst from Piper Jaffray, revealed that the reasonable price tag and smaller screen display of the iPad mini will allow it to deal with the benefits of using an Android-powered tablet. Munster indicated that the market share of Apple will be maintained if not increased in the next few years.

But it may also be possible for consumers to opt for an Android-powered tablet instead of the iPad mini, particularly with its cheaper price tag and the Android OS. The cheapest model of the iPad has a price tag of around $399.

It should also be taken into consideration that the Google Nexus 7 tablet reportedly offers a tablet experience similar to the iPad. It is also the first device to come with the latest version of the Android OS as well as the Google Now platform, which is the virtual assistant feature of Google that is reportedly better compared to Siri.

However it remains uncertain if the iPad mini will have an effect on the sales of the Google Nexus 7 tablet until the smaller version of the iPad is released into the market by Apple. 

Google Nexus 7 Tablet Sold Out In A Number Of Retail Outlets

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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Even as deliveries of the Google Nexus 7 tablet have started, a number of retailers have struggled to keep up with the demand for the device.

The order page for the Google Nexus 7 tablet was removed from the website of GameStop even as the device was already sold out over at Staples and Adorama. A number of units were delivered by GameStop to its brick-and-mortar outlets since a number of consumers preferred getting the device through the physical retail outlets.

With the huge demand for the Google Nexus 7 tablets, retailers were unsure when the next inventory would arrive although some have expected deliveries coming in after a couple of weeks.

Although it was uncertain why the order page for the Google Nexus 7 tablet was removed from its website, a spokeswoman from GameStop revealed that the new orders taken by the retailer is expected to be delivered by August 7. On the other hand, the tablet was already sold out in Adorama and orders that were accepted were expected to be fulfilled near the middle of August.

For its part, Staples informed potential buyers to check the stores by July 14 since more units will reportedly be available by then. The company had previously revealed that it will start the delivery of the Google Nexus 7 tablets by July 12 while orders made by July 11 will be delivered within three days.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet can also be purchased through the Google Play Store. Orders will be delivered within two weeks time. The 8GB and 16GB models are also being offered through the Google Play Store at a price tag of $199 and $249 respectively.

Office Depot is reportedly offering the 16GB model of the Google Nexus 7 tablet and will be delivered two weeks after the order is taken. On the other hand a number of online retailers have started to accept orders although deliveries will start on September 1. Initially the delivery was supposed to start on August 15 before it was postponed earlier this week.

Futureshop Canada and Best Buy Canada are also set to start deliveries of the Google Nexus 7 tablet on August 10. The features offered by the Google Nexus 7 tablet coupled with its reasonable price have resulted to a lot of interest among consumers in the market.

For the moment no figures were available on the number of Google Nexus 7 tablet units sold or delivered by the company.

Smart Cover-Like Functionality Found On Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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The new Google Nexus 7 tablet may feature a smart cover similar to that found on the iPad since it comes with a sensor that detects magnets as they are being moved away from it.

A video was posted on YouTube which showed an owner of the new tablet from Google running a magnet along the edge of the device. The Google Nexus 7 tablet appeared to come alive after the magnet was pulled away from its edge. The tablet also went to sleep mode once the magnet was returned to the same position.

This is similar to the way the Smart Cover is used on the iPad, which would turn on the display once it is moved away from the screen display. It appears that the Google Nexus 7 tablet is the only Android-powered device to come with this feature. It remains uncertain if this may be a point to a patent dispute by Apple although a similar functionality is already in use in the BlackBerry where the power switch of the device is activated or deactivated by its case.

Although a number of covers are available for the Google Nexus 7 tablet it does not give any indications that it uses a similar technology found on the Smart Cover for the iPad. However Asus is also offering a ‘smart cover’ for the Google Nexus 7 tablet even though there are no indications that it features the functionality.

However some industry watchers have noted that the location of the sensor appear unusual since its found on the left of the Google Nexus 7 tablet even though the covers start its opening in the right side of the device.

No statements were issued by Google in connection to the discovery on the supposed smart cover functionality of the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Teardown Shows Component Cost of Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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A recent teardown of the Google Nexus 7 tablet by IHS iSuppli revealed that the online search giant may earn a small profit from the sales of the tablet.

The teardown revealed that the components that were used in making the Google Nexus 7 tablet have a total cost of around $152. The tablet, which will feature an 8GB internal storage, will be sold by the company within the month at a price of $199. The teardown also revealed that the bigger the internal storage, the bigger the profit since the components of the 16GB model of the tablet will have a total cost of around $159. The 16GB model of the Google Nexus 7 tablet will be sold at around $249.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet is expected to compete with the Amazon Kindle Fire and the iPad ofApple. It is also the first time that the company has entered the tablet market, which is currently being dominated by the iPad of Apple. The upcoming release of the Google Nexus 7 tablet follows the failure of the hardware partners of the company in significantly reducing the grip of Apple in the market.

Some industry watchers have also indicated that the company may use the Google Nexus 7 tablet as its means of attracting support from developers.

The pricing of the Google Nexus 7 tablet appears to follow the strategy of Amazon when it offered the Amazon Kindle Fire into the market. Although the Google device is similar to the current device offering of Amazon, the former has a number of features that gives it an advantage over the popular Amazon Kindle Fire.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet features the quad-core Tegra 3 processor from Nvidia, an enhanced screen display as well as a camera. However reports have hinted at the possibility that the upcoming Amazon Kindle Fire 2 will be an upgraded version of the current model of the e-reader. On the other hand, reports have emerged hinting at a possible smaller version of the iPad that may be released in time for the holiday shopping season.

Google Nexus 7 Tablet Reportedly Infringes Nokia Patent

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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Even as the Google Nexus 7 tablet was only introduced recently by Google, it has reportedly infringed some patents owned by other manufacturers.

According to Nokia, the upcoming Google Nexus 7is reportedly using the Wi-Fi technology that is covered by a patent held by Nokia. The Finnish manufacturer also indicated it was not approached by Google or Asus in connection to licensing the supposed technology.

The upcoming Google Nexus 7 is manufactured by Asus and will feature the latest mobile OS of Google, the Jelly Bean Android. The device was introduced by Google during the I/O event that was held in San Francisco recently.

A spokesperson from Nokia revealed that the company owns over forty licenses that are mainly for the standards essential patent portfolio of the company which include a number of mobile device manufacturers. The patent portfolio of Nokia does not include Google or Asus.

The spokesperson added that companies that are not included in its standard essential patents can simply approach the company and sign up for the license.

It remains uncertain if a patent infringement claim will be filed by Nokia due to the introduction of the Google Nexus 7 tablet and no statements were issued by the company in connection to this.

No statements were also issued by Google or Asus in connection to the claim of patent infringement by the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Google Nexus 7 Tablet May Not Threaten iPad of Apple

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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Although the recently-unveiled Google Nexus 7 tablet is offered at a rather reasonable price, an analyst has indicated that it may not be able to top the iPad of Apple.

According to Brian White, an analyst from Topeka Capital Markets, the Google Nexus 7 tablet comes with a number of notable features, including a quad-core Tegra 3processor, 180 by 800 display resolution, nine-hour battery life, mini-USB port, Android Beam and NFC support, as well as the Jelly Bean Android 4.1 OS.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet is priced at $199 and $249 for the 8GB and the 16GB models respectively.

However the iPad offers a better display resolution of 2048 by 1536 as well as 3G and 4G network support compared to the Wi-Fi network support offered by the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

In addition to the features, Apple also offers users of the iPad a notable app ecosystem that offers 225,000 out of 650,000 applications for the iPad. Although Google offers around 600,000 mobile applications, applications that were designed specifically for tablets such as the Google Nexus 7 tablet are not as numerous as those offered for the iPad of Apple.

According to a note that White wrote to investors, the innovation in the design, unparalleled visuals, intuitive user interface high application availability, and increasing innovations in technology will allow the iPad of Apple to continue its dominance in the tablet market despite the introduction of the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet may be more of a competition to the Amazon Kindle Fire instead of the iPad of Apple, according to the analyst.

The view of White on the dominance of the iPad reflects his upbeat outlook for Apple as he had projected that Apple shares may reach around $1,111.

Even as the Google Nexus 7 tablet offers notable features, it may be considered as competition for smaller Android-powered tablets since it will satisfy the need of consumers for more features on a reasonably-priced tablet.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet offers better features than other seven-inch Android tablets particularly with its use of the latest Android OS. One of the potential rivals of the latest tablet offering of Google is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, which has reportedly gained a number of good reviews from industry watchers.

eBay Shows Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

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Pre-orders for the Google Nexus 7 tablet, which was unveiled only recently at the I/O Conference of Google, are being accepted already through Google Play at a price tag of $199 and $249 for the 8GB and 16GB models respectively.

However it appears that the upcoming Android 4.1-powered tablet is already being offered on eBay at a price tag higher than its official retail price. The release schedule of the upcoming Google Nexus 7 tablet is set in July.

The upcoming tablet offering of Google will feature an HD display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, quad-core Tegra 3 processor as well as a 12-core GPU. Connectivity options for the Google Nexus 7 tablet include, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and near field communication or NFC.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet will be the first tablet offering of Google that will feature the Chrome as its standard browser. The device was initially introduced during the CES last January by Jen-Hsun Huang, the head of Nvidia. Last April reports gave indications that the release schedule of the upcoming device will be postponed to July, which is around two months after the anticipated release schedule in May.

Following the end of the I/O keynote where the Google Nexus 7 tablet was unveiled, the company revealed that it will distribute a Nexus phone, Nexus 7, and a Nexus Q social streamer to all attendees of the conference.

The seller of the Google Nexus 7 tablet has reportedly offered the device at $500 for users who wish to buy it immediately, while bidding for the device starts at around $250. However no bids were reportedly made for the device which shows that consumers are waiting for the official release of the device.