The worst-kept secret in Googleland is now official.
The Nexus 7 tablet was unveiled today at the Google I/O Conference. As previously reported, the device was built by Asus and comes with a 7-inch 1,280-by-800 HD display. According to Google, it's running the Tegra 3 processor and has a front-facing camera for video chatting.Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as Bluetooth and near-field communication support are also included in the device. Rumors had been swirling for months that Google would offer the tablet. Earlier this morning, the company mistakenly let slip a banner image of the device on its Google Play store.
With the announcement, Google is making a play for a piece of a hard-fought market where its entry will compete against Amazon.com's Kindle Fire -- which the Nexus 7 approximates in size and price -- as well as Apple's iPad.
The Nexus 7 comes in 8GB and 16GB models. The 8GB option retails for $199, while the 16GB version will go on sale at $249. The device will start shipping in two to three weeks, Google said. However, interested customers can start preordering the tablet today.
Rounding out the specs are a Micro-USB port, 1GB of RAM, a 1.2-megapixel front camera (no back camera included), a gyroscope, GPS, an accelerometer, a microphone, and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.
The device measures 10.45mm thick, weighs 0.7 pounds, and, from the looks of the first pictures released, has a textured, grippy backside and appears to be about the same size as the Kindle Fire.
The Nexus 7 will be the first device to run the latest version of the Android 4.1 OS, also known as Jelly Bean. Google says to expect 9 hours of 720p HD video battery life.
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