The Google I/O Developers Conference is set to begin May 18 and end on May 20 and it is during this event that the company will probably announce the Nexus 7 tablet.
Google has been using this event to unveil the developers version of its next Android OS, but this will obviously not be the case this year. This is true because the company already unveiled the beta version of Android N – the next version of Android OS. In fact, the company recently unveiled a second beta version of the OS, carrying some improvements, fixes as well as new features as compared to the debut version.
This year’s Nexus 7 will probably make an unusual debut, with the company reportedly lining to unveil it during this event. In past cases, the arrival of a new Google Nexus device is usually marked with a new OS. If this is the case, we might see a stable version of Android N revealed during this event.
HTC to make Google Nexus 7 and other 2016 Nexus devices
As far as the Nexus line of devices is concerned, Google has previously formed partnerships with the likes of HTC, Samsung, ASUS, Motorola and LG. While HTC was the first in line with a Nexus One device, it has been several years since the Taiwanese company took charge of a Google Nexus device. This seems set to change this year, with the company being lined up as a replacement to last year’s Huawei and LG.
HTC recently unveiled the HTC 10, a smartphone that has been heaped with the burden of reviving the sales of the company after HTC One M9 did more than worse in the smartphone market. It will be great to have such an experienced smartphone developer on board the upcoming Nexus 7.
Even though Google hasn’t said a thing about the rumored Nexus 7, we already have some possible combinations courtesy of leaks. If all goes well, the flagship Nexus 7 will see a Snapdragon 820 SoC used together with a RAM of 4GB, just like other 2016 flagships from the likes of HTC, Samsung, and LG, among others. HTC will be in charge of making two variants of the Google Nexus 2016, with one reportedly packing a 7-inch display and the other a smaller 5-inch screen. Despite the reduced display size, the latter will also feature the same Snapdragon 820 SoC in addition to the same 4GB RAM.
Even though the battery details are still vague, it is believed that HTC will pack a 3000mAh unit in the smaller variant and the larger Nexus will pack at least 3500mAh. The previous version of Nexus 6P had no room for expandable storage, but the latest reports claim that the Nexus 7 will include a microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 2TB.
Keep in mind that neither Google nor HTC have confirmed any of these reports and the said specs are based on mere rumors and speculations. So, stay put and we’ll brief you as soon as the Google Nexus 2016 is confirmed.
I just hope that a new 7″ Nexus 7 is a smartphone and not just a tablet.