Asus executive reportedly confirms Google is set to release a tablet

27 Jun 2012

As we inch closer to Google’s I/O developer conference, which starts at 5.30pm (IST) today, an Asus executive has apparently let the cat out of the bag, confirming a new tablet is about to be unveiled.

Just about everyone is expecting a 7-inch tablet to be unveiled during the three-day conference and, mere hours before it starts, an unnamed Asus executive reportedly divulged to Reuters that Google will unveil a tablet computer manufactured by the company tonight.

The executive revealed nothing about the forthcoming tablet’s specifications, but an alleged leaked document on Gizmodo Australia puts Android Jelly Bean 4.1 at its heart, plus a 1.3GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 1GB RAM and GeForce graphics.

Other rumoured features include a 1,280 x 800 resolution IPS display, NFC capabilities, a HDMI port and a 1.2 MP front-facing camera.

Earlier today, Bloomberg reported that two sources familiar with the matter also confirmed the device, claiming that the cost will be US$199 – making this rumoured tablet a direct competitor with Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com