Google Unveils Nexus 7 Tablet

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On Wednesday, Google made several big product announcements. It rolled out a new Nexus 7 tablet that runs the latest version of the Android operating system—Android 4.3. In addition, it debuted a brand-new device called Chromecast that allows users to stream content from their PCs and mobile devices to their TVs.

Alexei Oreskovic with Reuters reported, “Google Inc on Wednesday showcased a new-generation, slimmer Nexus 7 tablet that the Internet search company hopes will expand its presence in consumer hardware, and ensure that its online services remain front-and-center on mobile devices. The latest Nexus 7, featuring a Qualcomm Inc Snapdragon processor and a higher display resolution, on July 30 will be priced at $229 for a basic version with 16 gigabytes of storage. The original year-old tablet started at $199 for an 8 gigabyte version.”

PCMag’s Damon Poeter noted that the tablet goes on sale July 30 and that “you can now pre-order the Wi-Fi-only models online in the U.S. from select retailers and Google itself. The new Nexus 7 will also be made available over the next few weeks in Canada, the U.K., Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Korea, and Australia, with more countries to follow.”

InformationWeek’s Eric Zeman added, “Google introduced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean this week, a minor update to its smartphone and tablet operating system. Android 4.3 does not present a significant visual overhaul of the OS. Instead, it adds a handful of features that make the whole platform a bit more fully rounded.”

According to U.S. News & World Report’s Greg Otto, “Google’s new device that allows users to stream online content from their mobile devices to their televisions sold out in a matter of hours Wednesday. Known as Chromecast, the dongle connects to a TV’s HDMI port, links up with a home WiFi network and allow users to stream video, music or photos from a phone, tablet or computer in order to watch the content on an HDTV.”