Asus has suggested that it is in line to return for the production of the next Google Nexus 7 in 2014.
Towards the beginning of October it was rumoured that the Taiwanese manufacturer, which has produced both generations of Nexus 7 tablet for Google to date, had been ditched for production of the 2014 model.
It’s been suggested that LG, which has been responsible for the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 5 smartphones, would be asked to produce the next compact Google tablet.
However, in a recent earnings call, Asus has suggested that talks are under way for it to continue producing the Nexus 7 line. Indeed, the company appears to be depending on this renewed agreement with Google to expand its tablet production to 13 percent of its overall business. It currently sits at six percent.
Of course, with the Google Nexus 7 2 doing the business with its stunning 1920 x 1200 7-inch display, quad-core Snapdragon processor and solid design - all for a bargain price - it makes sense for Google to stick with a winning formula.
It would also be good news for Asus as a whole. Elsewhere in its earnings call, the company reported a sizeable net profit loss of some 26 percent compared to the same time last year - all thanks to a chunky $52 million tax bill. Ouch.
Aside from the new Nexus 7, Asus plans to improve its fortunes by pushing its smartphone business in 2014. As reported by Android Community, Asus CFO David Chang said that "our priority is to make the company’s smartphone business turn a profit next year."
Expect to see a fresh lineup of Asus smartphones at CES 2014 in January.
Next, read our iPad mini 2 Retina display vs Google Nexus 7 2 comparison.
