AppleInsider Staff
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Google will unveil a next-generation Nexus 7 tablet in partnership with Asus at the search giant's upcoming Google I/O conference, looking to steal some of Apple's thunder as a next-generation iPad mini is rumored to be delayed.
In the research note obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo notes the new Nexus 7 will feature upgraded specs, such as a high-resolution screen, better cameras and wireless charging, but will maintain an entry-level price of $199. Apple is also rumored to be launching an updated iPad mini sometime in the third quarter, but that timeline is in question as recent reports have said production of the small form factor tablet hit a snag.
Google is likely to lose $5 to $10 per unit sold with the aggressive pricing, suggesting profits will come from media purchases and ad revenue. Kuo sees the distribution model being the same as 2012's version, with Google selling the Nexus 7 through its website, while Asustek and other retail outlets take care of higher-end iterations with more storage.
As for major changes from the current Nexus 7, Kuo sees a switch to Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a 7-inch LTPS panel carrying a 1,980-by-1,200 pixel resolution, a 5-megapixel rear facing camera and the inclusion of Texas Instruments' Qi wireless charging.
On the design side, the upcoming tablet is believed to have a narrow bezel reminiscent of the iPad mini.
Regarding the tablet's operating system, the analyst believes Google will stick with Android 4.x Jelly Bean, offering tablet-centric enhancements and new functions. Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is not expected to be a focus.
Despite the update internals and unchanged price point, Kuo only expects limited year-on-year shipment growth.
Finally, Kuo estimates that Google will launch an Android Book laptop, Google "over-the-top" (OTT) TV box and a smartwatch to compete with the likes of Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. These products aren't expected to make it to Google I/O, as the company is said to be in planning stages and is not yet close to manufacturing.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
32 Comments
In what way is he "noted"?
Evidence?
1) I'm glad to see an expectation of a 1920x1200 (323 PPI) display at $199. This plus Acer coming out with a 7.85" 4:3 tablet for $169 leans toward Apple being able to produce a Retina iPad mini this year for $329 as increasingly likely. 2) I'm not sure how LTPS compares to IPS but displays on Asus devices per AnandTech usually fare very well in color quality, brightness, and power management. To me, that's a good sign for Google. 3) Facing delays are never a good sign, but without any word on this actually existing with a ship date, specs and price it's foolhardy to jump on this as being delayed just as the trolls here like to jump on Apple for rumours of delays.
Delays? I like when people predict delays to un-announced products. Who expected it to be coming in the third quarter? Why did they expect that? Why say anything at all if you can't address even the most basic points?
Delays? I like when people predict delays to un-announced products. Who expected it to be coming in the third quarter? Why did they expect that? Why say anything at all if you can't address even the most basic points?
The engineers at Apple, you are silly to think that they don't plan on a deadline. A delay is when you need to push your launch date farther into the future. It is possible that the iPad Mini 2 will be launch later than originally planned.
That said, I don't know if I really believe anyone has any idea what Apple is truly up to.
I hope they bring a stylus (similar to the S pen) to the large iPad. I am ready to replace the binder.
Delays? I like when people predict delays to un-announced products. Who expected it to be coming in the third quarter? Why did they expect that? Why say anything at all if you can't address even the most basic points?
...because the analyst is basing their report largely on what happened last year, relying on people's short attention spans, in order to present it as something new.