Google working on $99 tablet!

Google is seemingly working on a new version of its Nexus 7 tablet, but reportedly on a $99 version of the device this time.

An image in Exif format has appeared on Picasa, uploaded from an account by the name of Asus Asus. This photo shows that the manufacturer is Asus, but the product is ME172V, an unannounced model.

Previously, various pictures clicked from the original Google Nexus 7 made it to Picasa accounts even before the device was officially announced.

In October, technology news website Digitimes reported that Google has, however, partnered with Taiwan-based Quanta Computer to build a cheap version of the Nexus 7, instead of Asus.

The report cited supply chain sources and said this device would be launched in last quarter of 2012, so an event in the second week of 2013 year would not be too much off the mark.

Digitimes said its sources hinted that the price of this tablet would be $99 and will have a single core 800MHz processor made by WonderMedia Technologies of China. Huva TN screen made by Taiwan`s HannStar Display will be used in the cheaper iteration of the 7-inch tablet, said Digitimes` report.

The current version of Nexus 7 costs $199 in the US market and reportedly has components worth $151. If parts like touchscreen panel, display and processor, which together cost above $80, are downgraded, the price of the device can be brought down.

Technology blogs like Android Authority and The Digital Reader are abuzz that the world`s biggest search engine will officially unveil this device during the Consumer Electronics Forum in January this year.

If launched in India at a comparable price, this tablet will compete against the products of companies like Micromax, Lava and Zen.

BdST 2104 HRS, DEC 20, 2012
Edited by: Sabbin Hasan, ICT Editor