That HTC is building a new tablet for Google’s Nexus program has been the topic of rumours since February 2014. But while most have suggested an 8-inch tablet, others have instead pointed to a slightly larger 8.9-inch one (the Google Nexus 9?). AndroidPolice has now landed new details and an image of the HTC Volantis (also known as Flounder) and goes as far as saying “this information won’t be treated as a rumor, since we feel confident in our information.”
The image and render created by AndroidPolice based on the image shows a device with thinner bezels than we’ve seen on past Nexus tablets. It is supposed to sport an “aluminum zero-gap” construction so the white back may give way to a metal finish by the time it launches. The images also fail to show front-facing speakers that the tablet is supposed to sport. It’s not clear if this is an omission or a sign that the image is simply a placeholder or an early draft.
As for the specifications, here is what we can expect:
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra K1
- Operating system: Google Android
- Cellular connectivity: Optional LTE
- Display: 8.9-inch (2048×1440) with 4:3 aspect ratio
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal storage: 16GB or 32GB options
- Rear-facing camera: 8MP OIS
- Front-facing camera: 3MP
- Dimensions: 226.3 × 151.9 × 7.9 millimeters
- Weight: 418 grams (427 grams with LTE)
- Other: Stereo front-facing speakers
The 2048 by 1440 pixel resolution does not work out to a 4:3 aspect ratio. If the information is from a credible source, it does suggest that some details are not quite finalized or accurate at this point in time.
Pricing is currently set at US399 for the 16GB model and US$499 for the 32GB model. The LTE model could sell for more than US$600.
Supporting yesterday’s report, this one also claims that Google will not unveil this tablet at Google I/O, saving it instead for the launch of Android L (5.0?) later in the year. With rumours circulating that there might not be a Nexus 6, it could be that the Google Nexus 9 will be the flagship device for the next major version of Android.
Source : AndroidPolice