Gadgets
Google Branded Tablet Coming This Summer?
Android Device Could Compete With Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet
By Gary Krakow
According to a newly published report the “secret” tablet project that Google has been working on might be coming to fruition early this summer.
The Verge says that Google and Taiwanese computer giant Asus have been working on an inexpensive, Wi-fi-only Android tablet with a 7-inch screen, an Nvidia quad-core processor and will run on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
Price estimates were rumored to be running in the $250 range.
But, Google wants the device to cost somewhere in the $150-$200 range (to compete with Android tablets like the $199 Amazon Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble's Nook and for it to be ready for release in the second quarter. Tweaking the design parameters to help get the price down to that point has reportedly taken its toll on an early release date.
The tablet will be the first to be released under the Google brand name.
Gizmodo.com brings-up a good point, though: Why would Google be working with Asus to make this device when they're about to own Motorola lock, stock, and tablet manufacturing?