Google Nexus 8.9: High-performance Tablet Expected in June

Google is reportedly planning to release an 8.9in Nexus branded tablet.

The disclosure has been made by Rhoda Alexander, director, tablet and monitor research at IHS Technology, who claims the Google Nexus 8.9 will be released later this year.

Alexander also revealed to CNET that volume production of the high-performance Nexus 8.9 tablet is expected to start in either July or August.

"The expectation is that this will be a lower volume product, carrying a premium price tag to support the specifications."

Alexander hinted that the device could cost more than $299. As reported earlier, HTC is likely to manufacture the upcoming Nexus 8.9.

On the next generation 7in Nexus tablet, Alexander said: "We still expect to see a third 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."

There is a possibility that Google will launch the Nexus 8.9 this year if one were to go by a number of reports.

DigiTimes recently reported that Google would be releasing two Nexus tablets in 2014 with an 8.9in model, which is already under development and will enter mass production in July. The Nexus 8.9 is said to feature a display resolution of more than 2K.

Apart from the Nexus 8.9, Google might release a smaller size Nexus tablet variant this year. Google's strategy of skipping the 8in model and going for a device with an 8.9in display suggests that the company is shifting its focus to large-size tablet applications.

Considering Google's disadvantage in the large-size tablet market, the company is expected to release 8.9in Nexus tablet; a device with reasonable pricing and better performance ratio, sufficient mobility and a strategic position between large-size and small to medium size segments, might motivate the Android users to skip the 8in segment and go for large-size tablets.

Given a price tag of about $299 and the next Android software, which is said to be Android 5.0, the Google Nexus 8.9 is could gain more popularity in the large-size tablet segment.

Earlier reports suggested that Google would be launching an HTC-made high-end Nexus tablet in Q3, notes PhoneArena.

According to the latest disclosure, the mass production of Nexus 8.9 will start in July. This indicates that Google is expected to make an announcement about the Nexus 8.9 at its 7<sup>th annual I/O 2014 event to be held on 25-26 June at Moscone West in San Francisco.