Google and Asus have debuted a new version of the wildly popular Nexus 7, which, as was rumored, arrives preloaded with a sweeter version of Android: 4.3.3 (Jelly Bean).
“The first thing you’ll notice is the sharpness of the screen: the 323 pixels packed into every inch of the screen makes it the world’s highest-resolution 7-inch tablet,” Google exec Sundar Pichai wrote in an official blog post.
“It’s lighter than ever, with more than nine hours of HD video playback and 10 hours of web browsing or reading. Nexus 7 now features stereo speakers and virtual surround sound from Fraunhofer (the inventors of the MP3 format), giving you rich and immersive audio.”
- 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor with Adreno 320 graphics
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB to 32GB of storage
- 5MP rear camera and 1.2MP front-facing camera
- 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC
- SlimPort (with support for video output)
- Notification light
- 7.9″ x 4.5″ x 0.3″
- 11 ounces
As we noted above, the tablet is also loaded with Android 4.3.3, the newest version of the mobile OS.
“Tablets are perfect for sharing with others, so in Android 4.3, we’re introducing restricted profiles, which let you limit access to apps and content. For example, restricted profiles enable parental controls, so certain family members are prevented from accessing mature content,” Pichai continued.
“Likewise, retail stores can use tablets to show off product information, and shops can use tablets as point of sale systems. Android 4.3 also now supports Bluetooth Smart technology, opening the door to mobile apps that connect to new devices like fitness sensors.”
Google’s Nexus 7 starts at $229 and is available in the U.S. beginning July 30, with other countries expected to follow soon. You can buy Nexus 7 online on Google Play, or check the tablet out at Best Buy, Gamestop, Walmart, Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Amazon, Home Shopping Network, Radio Shack, J&R and B&H Photo. In addition, a Nexus 7 (LTE) with support for T-Mobile and Verizon should be hitting the streets over the next few weeks.
