The purported Google Nexus 8 tablet is in the news again, this time with rumors claiming that it will boast an 8.9-inch display.
After various rumors and speculation circled around a Nexus 10 tablet that never came, the rumor mill is now back to the purported Nexus 8 model, which is expected to debut this year.
The alleged slate was briefly spotted on Google's website last year, but the company removed the listing shortly after it appeared. Various other rumors since have tried to paint a picture of what to expect from the Nexus 8, but nothing is official. Some believe the tablet will make its debut sometime in April, while others claim that a July unveiling is more likely.
The latest report regarding the purported Nexus 8 offers no launch timeframe other than 2014, but claims to have more details when it comes to the tablet's display size.
"Google has decided to push an 8.9-inch Nexus tablet for 2014, showing that the Internet giant is starting to shift its focus to larger-size applications," reports DigiTimes. "The 8.9-inch Nexus is Google's first tablet project for 2014. With a screen big enough to compete in the large-size tablet segment, and with low cost and mobility, DigiTimes Research expects the Nexus tablet to help prompt other brand vendors to turn to the large-size tablet segment, which only currently accounts for 30% in overall tablet shipments."
Not many details are available regarding the Nexus 7's purported specs, but the slate is rumored to pack Intel's new quad-core Moorfield chipset with 64-bit architecture. The tablet is also expected to come with a new version of Android on board.
While nothing is official just yet, Google is expected to pack top-end specifications onto its upcoming Nexus 8 tablet. Those who favor July as the launch timeframe for the new tablet take into account Google's previous launch schedules. The company launched the Nexus 7 in July, for instance, and the Nexus 8 could debut around the same time this year.
It's worth emphasizing, however, that Google has made no official comment regarding plans to launch a Nexus 8 tablet, and the scarcity of details available commend a healthy dose of skepticism. Moreover, DigiTimes can often be hit-and-miss with its leaks and speculations, so it is highly advisable to take this news with a big grain of salt.
