[Rumor] Google to launch new Nexus 7 tablet

If you've read my review of the Nexus 7, you'll know I surely love it and think it likely the best Android tablet on the market.  It's been a very good seller for Asus (the maker) and Google as well...and it looks like its about to get a refresh.  The latest rumor from DigiTimes is that Asus is partnering with Google again to give us an updated Nexus 7, with perhaps an HD panel display, smaller side bezels, and an "upgraded version of Google's Jelly Bean operating system" - whatever that means.

Plunkett called this in one of his Fearless Predictions...it will be interesting to see if it comes true.  I'm sure we will know by May, in time for Google's I/O event.  Carry on Google and Asus!

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News] Report indicates tablet demand greater than expected

Who knew?  Analysts with IDC are predicting that sales numbers for popular Android and Apple tablets will be greater than previously thought, with an estimated 122.3 million devices sold worldwide (up from the previously estimated 117.1 million).  These trends are expected to continue though the next few years, with forecast numbers published through 2016.  Market share is expected to be largely dominated by Apple products, with Android devices coming in 2nd place, and Windows devices a (very) distant 3rd.  A whopping 282.7 million devices will be in the hands of consumers by 2016 - a number that is mind boggling to me right now.  But if folks are getting as much enjoyment as I am out of my tablet, perhaps this isn't such a huge surprise after all.

Mobile computing and web content consumption is on the rise, especially in the global market, and tablets (as well as smartphones) are an alternative to get this content at a much more cost effective price point than a traditional home PC or laptop.  Google's $249 Chromebook notwithstanding, most people have to have a mobile phone for a host of other reasons, and when it comes to spending discretionary cash, a lot of folks are going to choose what they need first.  And that means that the mobile phone (or smartphone) comes before a laptop or PC.  And it looks like the tablet is quickly growing into the "need" category from the "want" category.

*Source:  BGR

[Special Feature]Two Tech Geeks Best of Tech 2012

With the year coming to a close, and the looming Mayan Apocalypse, the Two Tech Geeks thought it would be a good idea to take a look back and highlight some of our favorite things from that wacky, wonderful year that was.  Without further ado, we bring you our Best of Tech 2012:

Best Small Tablet (8" screen or smaller):

Sean: Asus Nexus 7
The Nexus 7 has it all; a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, a 1280 x 800 IPS LCD display, 1GB of RAM and 16GB or 32GB of internal memory.  Better yet, the 16GB version will only set you back $199.99 while the 32GB version goes for $249.99.  Sure the iPad mini may be thinner and constructed of nicer materials, but it has an inferior screen and the 16GB iPad Mini costs 65% more than a 16GB Nexus 7.  In the smaller tablet market, the Nexus 7 reigns supreme.

Shawn: Asus Nexus 7

You'll get no argument from me here.  I recently purchased a Nexus 7, and can't actually use it because the wife likes it so much.  Great materials, great screen, small enough to be portable, but big enough to be useful for things your phone is too small for.  In short - its perfect.

[News] Analyst predicts tablet sales to surpass notebooks in 2013

According to the good folks over at Digitimes, the face of mobile computing is going to undertake a radical shift in the next year, with tablet sales predicted to outpace notebook PC sales for the first time ever.  210 million units are estimated to be sold in 2013, which is surely a significant enough number for OEMs to sit up and take notice.  Predictably, Apple's iPad will be the forecast top hardware seller, with Google's Android OS to be the top operating system sold.

As a recent tablet owner, I can speak for its usefulness in certain settings, but can I see it replacing what a laptop can do for me?  No.  Having said that, I think that our lives have been forever changed by things like the iPad and to a lesser extent other tablets like the Nexus 7.  The way we act and behave on a daily basis is almost exclusively focused on mobile computing.  And those devices that aid us in our quest to always be connected.

Sound off in the comments if you have an opinion!

*Source:  BGR

[News] Nexus 7 sales "better than expected"

Published reports are indicating that Google was surprised (probably pleasantly so) over increased demand for the Nexus 7 tablet.  So much so, that they have ordered an additional 2.5 million devices from manufacturer Asus to keep up with sales before the end of 2012.  This comes on top of the estimated 2.5 million tablets already sold so far.  This comes as no surprise to me...I love everything about this tablet.  You can read my review of the Nexus 7 to see my thoughts on this device.

While these numbers don't compare to the number of iPads sold each day, week, or month, demand for the Nexus 7 is growing - indicating a definite need in the market for a 7 inch tablet.  Google and Asus have a home run on their hands with this one.

*Source:  Droid-Life

[Review] 32GB Nexus 7 tablet

The Nexus 7 isn't new to the market, nor is it the most technically advanced Android tablet out there...but what it is, is one fine device for the money.

Way back in September, I made a decision to purchase a tablet for my own use around the house.  I have a burning desire to surf the web, check my fantasy basketball team, post on the Facebook, and blog all from the comfort of my couch.  Sure I could do this on my netbook, and I bought it with that in mind, but the idea of using a tablet for these endeavors seems darn near perfect.

The 16GB version now costs a mere $199, the 32GB w/WiFi only is $249 (plus applicable tax) and on November 13th, 2012 the 32GB version with HSPA+ will launch for $299.  I decided to pull the trigger once the 32GB WiFi only version arrived in a local retail store.  Since I had a few gift cards laying about, I picked it up last Wednesday night for exactly $41.36...and even as a fan of Android, I can easily say I'm impressed with this device.

[Op-Ed] How the iPad mini dilutes Apple's brand

iPad mini (front and rear)

I heard a report on the local news Friday morning about how there weren't the same long lines for the iPad mini (which launched on November 2nd) as there were for the iPhone 5 and iPad 3, and it got me thinking.  With legions of Apple fans around the world, why would the iPad mini go on sale with less fanfare than other devices from months or years past?  Is there a crack in the facade of a company that can seemingly do no wrong when it comes to the launch of a new product?  Let's dig deeper and see if there is evidence of what I believe to be true:  by making the iPad mini, Apple has diluted their own brand and potentially made a serious business blunder.

[News] Video usage of Nexus products, with Android 4.2

Check out this video from the good folks over at the Verge, who got a crazy sit down with some of the key players at Google, showing off some of the great new features of 4.2 Jelly Bean and the new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 products.

Its about 15 minutes long, but well worth your time.

*Source:  The Verge

[News]Google's official blog reveals pricing for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (16GB and 32GB ), Nexus 7 w/mobile data and Nexus 10

A post this morning on Google's official blog has revealed pricing for all their new Nexus products.

Without further ado, here's the list:

• Nexus 4: 8GB for $299; 16GB for $349; available unlocked and without a contract on 11/13 on the Google Play store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada. The 16GB version will also be available through T-Mobile for $199, with a 2-year contract (check here for more details).
• Nexus 7: 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $249; available in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan, and also through our retail partners Gamestop, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, Walmart.
• Nexus 7 with 32GB and mobile data: $299 and unlocked, on sale 11/13 in the Google Play store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada.
• Nexus 10: 16GB for $399; 32GB for $499; available on 11/13 in the Google Play Store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.