Rumours that Google is working with HTC on its next Nexus tablet have been around since early this year. They have since then gotten more precise with most now expecting HTC to build an 8.9-inch tablet for Google. The Wall Street Journal is the latest to report that the two companies are indeed collaborating on such a device. While the name of the device is not mentioned, it is expected to launch as the Google Nexus 9.
The report adds that Google chose to work with HTC on the new tablet in part because of its philosophy to use different partners to build its Nexus tablets in order to prevent anyone of them from gaining a monopoly. It’s likely that the accolades and high praise that HTC has received for its HTC One (M8) and last year’s HTC One smartphones helped as well. It could also be that Samsung, with a well established track record in the tablet space, was not chosen as Google feels that it is already too powerful in the space.
Needless to say, Google would not comment on the story, saying only, “Android is a vibrant ecosystem, and many of the industry players are doing very well. There’s room for many partners to do well and to innovate with Android.”
The Google Nexus 9 could be announced as early as October 16 at last word. Recent rumours suggest that it will it be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor and the new Android L (Lemon Meringue Pie or Lion?). Other specifications include a 9-inch WQHD (2560×1440) display, an Intel MDM9x25 model on the LTE variant, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, GPS, NFC, an 8MP camera with Sony IMX219 sensor and a front 1.6MP camera.
Source : The Wall Street Journal