More changes appear to be in store for the next-generation Google Nexus 7 than had been originally reported. You can now add a change of processor to earlier rumours that it will gain a Full HD (1920×1080) display and thinner bezels. According to Pacific Crest analyst Michael McConnell, Google and ASUS will drop the NVDIA Tegra 3 processor in favour of a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro AQP8064 SoC for the upcoming tablet.
The report provides two reasons for the potential change:
“Supply chain conversations indicate two reasons for Google’s selection of the Snapdragon APQ8064 over Tegra 4: (1) competitive pricing and (2) a decision to single-source the application processor and 3G/4G modem to simplify logistics and create a fully pin-compatible platform interface.”
Google is expected to unveil its latest Nexus 7 tablet at Google I/O 2013 in May. Shipments would follow sometime in the second quarter (likely in the late May to early June time frame). Pacific Crest estimates that Google could ship up to 10 million next-generation Nexus 7 tablets between its launch and Q1 2014.
Google already uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro for its Google Nexus 4 smartphone manufactured by LG.
Read more: Barron’s (Source: UnwiredView)