Google rumored to launch Nexus 7 with 3G in October

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Google and its manufacturing partner Asus are reportedly planning to launch a new version of the Nexus 7 tablet in October with a cellular radio for wireless data connectivity on the go.

The new hardware will arrive next month, according to a "well placed insider" who spoke with MoDaCo. The new device will include a wireless radio for mobile data, but there will be no other changes to the hardware from the current Wi-Fi-only model.

The report said the new model will be a "3G" version. It did not indicate whether the rumored device will be able to connect to high-speed 4G LTE networks.

Asus is said to be ramping up production of the new device, and is on schedule to launch in about six weeks. A launch date and availability have yet to be nailed down.

A 3G version of the Nexus 7 would go beyond Amazon's current Kindle Fire, which is only available with Wi-Fi connectivity. However, Amazon is set to hold a media event on Thursday where it is expected to unveil new Kindle Fire models, which could potentially include a 3G or 4G LTE variant.

Apple has offered cellular data connectivity with its market leading iPad since the first model launched in 2010. This year's third-generation iPad was the first Apple device to include high-speed 4G LTE connectivity.

With the Wi-Fi Nexus 7 now available a 3G version rumored to be forthcoming, and Amazon apparently gearing up to debut new models, competition is heating up in the smaller tablet space. Apple is expected to throw its hat into the ring in October, when it is rumored to launch a smaller 7.85-inch iPad that will be available alongside its existing 9.7-inch model.

Comments (49)

themac1nt0sh

said about 9 years ago

So let me get this straight, Apple is planning to release a iPad Mini supposedly, that would with no doubt have 3G. Apple is rumored to hold the event in October a seperate one from the iPhone.

Google is going to release the nexus with 3G also a rumor.

Although this sounds odd that both these rumors would coincide, it wouldn't surprise if Google tried to beat Apple to it?

solipsismx

said about 9 years ago

[quote name="THEMAC1NT0SH" url="/t/152283/google-rumored-to-launch-nexus-7-with-3g-in-october#post_2181282"]So let me get this straight, Apple is planning to release a iPad Mini supposedly, that would with no doubt have 3G. Apple is rumored to hold the event in October a seperate one from the iPhone. Google is going to release the nexus with 3G also a rumor. Although this sounds odd that both these rumors would coincide, it wouldn't surprise if Google tried to beat Apple to it? [/quote] I'm not so sure about cellular in the iPad Mini. It makes complete sense for cellular connectivity to be part of a more portable internet-capable device but it does increase the price substantially by doing so, as well as reduce battery life. How many that would buy a budget tablet that doesn't have high capacity, a Retina display, latest CPU tech (except for the lithography which is used to reduce power consumption), will then spend $100+ for cellular connectivity. Perhaps they could lower it by not including 4G LTE but I'm thinking they'd still want to use Qualcomm's 28nm tech and there are still so many licenses and costs with 3G that even then I'd expect it to be around $80 and be a 20% or more power hit.

themac1nt0sh

said about 9 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolipsismX

I'm not so sure about cellular in the iPad Mini. It makes complete sense for cellular connectivity to be part of a more portable internet-capable device but it does increase the price substantially by doing so, as well as reduce battery life. How many that would buy a budget tablet that doesn't have high capacity, a Retina display, latest CPU tech (except for the lithography which is used to reduce power consumption), will then spend $100+ for cellular connectivity.
Perhaps they could lower it by not including 4G LTE but I'm thinking they'd still want to use Qualcomm's 28nm tech and there are still so many licenses and costs with 3G that even then I'd expect it to be around $80 and be a 20% or more power hit.

But Apple could find a way of figuring it out, without having to raise the price too high.

solipsismx

said about 9 years ago

[quote name="THEMAC1NT0SH" url="/t/152283/google-rumored-to-launch-nexus-7-with-3g-in-october#post_2181293"]But Apple could find a way of figuring it out, without having to raise the price too high. [/quote] Without raising the price too high? I dropped the price by $50 in my example while still using the latest lithography.

zozman

said about 9 years ago

If the rumours aren't true & apple don't release an iPad mini a nexus 7 with 3G would be the best 7 inch tablet around (price to specs) & could get some decent sales.

I hope apple do bring out the iPad mini, id want one but wouldn't really need it, i have an iPad & iPhone.