The Google Nexus 8 is still en route for launch, despite not being officially introduced at the annual Google I/O developers’ conference.
Google announced a host of new software, including Android L and Android TV among a slew of other smaller announcements, but failed to announce any new hardware.
It was predicted that Google would announce the Nexus 8 as a successor or upgrade to the Google Nexus 7 2, or even refresh the Google Nexus 10, but sadly there were no tablets to be seen.
However, according to a CNET source that claims to be “familiar with the device”, the Nexus 8 is still coming to market and was actually never due to be on the Google I/O agenda.
The actual launch timings though are still to be confirmed it seems.
Rumour has it that the Nexus 8 will be built by HTC, rather that Asus who manufacturers the Nexus 7. The Nexus 8, which no doubt would prove popular with consumers as the Nexus line always has, would be a great support for HTC too.
The Taiwanese company has really streamlined its product range in recent years, relying on flagships like the HTC One M8 and mid-range handsets like the HTC One mini 2.
There have been a few rumours teasing the potential specs sheet of the Nexus 8, which is apparently going under the code name Flounder.
The latest suggests that the Nexus 8 display will be a 8.9-inch panel with a 2560 x 1600p QHD resolution, putting it on par with the Nexus 10, but with a better pixel density.
As for the processing power, the Nexus 8 is expected to pack a 64-bit Tegra CPU. This would line it up with the 64-bit Apple A7 processor found in the iPad Mini 2 Retina.
Google did make a particular point in saying that its new Android L operating system is compatible with 64-bit processors, so watch this space.
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