After a few reports from Taiwan suggested Google is considering launching an 8.9-inch Nexus this year instead of a third-generation Nexus 7 device, IHS Technology chimed in, telling CNET that Google is planning to release an 8.9-inch tablet this year. According to director of tablet and monitor research Rhoda Alexander, the tablet would be a “high-performance” model, that could be more expensive than what users expect to pay for new Nexus devices.
“Volume production is expected to start in July or August,” the exec said. “The expectation is [that] this will be a lower volume product, carrying a premium price tag to support the specifications.” Alexander added that she “would not be surprised if [the price] is higher than $299,” and that HTC may be the manufacturer of this device.
Recent reports claimed that HTC will launch a high-end Nexus tablet later this year.
IHS also sees a third-generation Nexus 7 model launching later this year. “We still expect to see a 3rd generation of the Nexus 7 product at some point in 2014 but do not have any confirmation of actual contracts for such a product at present,” Alexander said.
In its most recent report, Digitimes said that it expects Google to release at least two new Nexus tablets in 2014, without mentioning a 7-inch device, The Taiwanese publication believes that the 8.9-inch Nexus would cost around $299.
