It may just be a “rumor” for now, but its a fairly shocking piece of news if it turns out to be true. According to Digitimes, Google is planning on creating a version of its Nexus 7 tablet that will be available at an astonishingly low price of 99.99 USD.
These new tablets are rumored to have a small, thinner casing, thanks to a new partnership between Google and HannStar Display (a Taiwan-based display maker). There isn’t any word though about what these new displays will look like, although it’s probably a safe bet to assume that they will be HD ready. Google is planning to have these devices ready and on sale before the end of this year.
It is also reported that there will be two different models, a $199.99 USD version and the $99.99 USD version, but there are no details yet on what the key differences between these devices will be. There is also no word on what marketplace Google will be using for applications on the new tablets. It’s tough to say if the new Nexus 7 will use the Android app store, or if Google will develop its own app market, much like Amazon has done for its popular Kindle Fire line of tablets.
This current creation rumor from Google is more than likely a preemptive strike against Apple’s new 7.85-inch iPad Mini that is due out sometime before the end of 2012. It’s no surprise either, considering that Google has been actively working on battling Apple in both the phone and tablet markets. There has also been some challenge from Amazon, who has seemingly dominated the “small tablet” market with its low-priced Kindle Fire line. The online retailer has been stepping up its game too, with the release of its new Kindle Fire HD ($199 USD).
Asustek has declined any of the rumors and so far has denied working with Google.
Stay tuned for more info regarding this new 99.99 USD Google Nexus 7 rumor! We will update all of you as soon as we hear something new.
Photo Credit: Google
