Sources: Google Nexus tablet will be 7" and sub-$200

With Apple’s new iPad out of the way, the spotlight is now rapidly shifting towards Google and their potential flagship Android tablet. Multiple rumors have been swirling, including a possible co-venture between ASUS and Google, and now we’re starting to hear more specifics about the device from multiple sources.

First off, The Verge is reporting that sources have informed them of a 7” Google tablet that will be launching in the next several months. The tablet will supposedly be priced at $199 and will therefore compete directly with Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

On the other hand, Android and Me is offering up much of the same info, but with a special twist of their own. According to the publication, a supply chain source within the United States has stated that ASUS decided to scrap their MeMo 370t tablet, which was unveiled at CES this year, after Google approached them about the Nexus Tablet.  Furthermore, the source claims the new Nexus tablet will not have the quad-core Tegra 3 processor found in the 370t, but will opt for another CPU. While that last bit is surprising due to the current popularity of Tegra 3 devices, it could allow Google to competitively price the tablet, and the same source offered a $149-$199 price range. 

As it stands, not much is known about the Google Nexus tablet, but it’s probably safe to assume that it’ll feature a 7” display and will hit the lower end of the price spectrum. Of course, those specs sound awfully close to what the Kindle Fire has to offer, and this could be Google’s way of competing with Amazon after they launched their own App Store and cut Google out of the profits.

As always, time will be the ultimate rumor mill; however, the device is expected to be announced at the CTIA Wireless Show in May, so hopefully we won’t have too long of a wait.

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