#io12 – US$199 Nexus 7 tablet revealed, Google Play at heart of new content experience

27 Jun 2012

Google has revealed its branded Nexus 7 tablet computer it has been working on with Asus and which will pack an astonishing 12-core GPU for hi-def gaming experiences.

The 7-inch device will have a 1,280 x 800 HD display, will be powered by a Tegra 3 quad core CPU and a 12-core GPU. It will have a front-facing camera as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity and will be capable of nine hours of video playback.

Interestingly, it will ship with Chrome as the standard browser, as well as an exciting new YouTube design that emphasises HD experiences.

Weighing just 340 grams, the device is designed for the discovery of new content with Google Play at the heart of the experience for buying movies, books, games and music.

Pulsating LED lights

In terms of appearance, the device is super thin and there is the barely minimal evidence of a bezel with back, home and folders icons that discretely light up at the bottom of the device.

Google Maps has been given a redesign especially for the new tablet with the ability to view maps in 3D, as well as in Compass mode, where you can get a full 360-degree view of a room. When added with the gyroscopes in the device, the Compass mode really comes to life.

According to Google product director Hugo Barra, the Nexus 7 will go on sale on the Google Play Store for US$199 immediately and will begin shipping in July.

Buyers will also get US$25 worth of credit to spend in the Google Play store, as well as free movies, such as Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon and subscriptions to magazines like Popular Science.

 

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com