Google launches Nexus 7
27 Jun 2012
Android Jelly Bean tablet is built for gaming
Google has confirmed its Nexus 7 tablet, and it's a quad-core super-slim slate designed for gaming.
Built by Asus for the big G, it will indeed run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU and a 12-core GPU – all the better for rendering that high-def action.
It falls on the portable side of the fence, with a seven-inch screen packing in a 1280x800 HD display, and weighs in at a mere 340g. Apparently it'll be able to pony up nine hours of HD video playback and 300 hours standby.
Naturally, Google's Chrome is the preloaded browser, joining a tablet-optimised YouTube app and beefed up Google Maps.
There's also a front-facing camera for video calling, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as NFC support for contactless payments and fast, strong wireless connection to other NFC devices.
The Google Nexus 7 tablet will be available from £159, more than half the price of the market dominating iPad. Considering the dearth of budget tablets that are also usable, the Nexus 7 just could start (and own) something new.
Pre-orders are open at the Google Play store, with units expected to ship in mid-July.