It seems as though a new Nook tablet may take on the Kindle Fire 2 this fall, says a source close to Barnes & Noble.
According to CNET, B&N's new tablet will launch by late September or October this year. The Google Nexus 7, which currently retails for $200, will likely be price matched by the Kindle Fire 2 and next-gen Nook upon their release.
The new Nook's 7-inch display is said to feature "revolutionary screen technology."
This site's source also indicated that the device would be lighter than Barnes & Noble's previous iterations of the device, and will flesh out the "reading experience" for users. Although no specifics were given, the Nook Store will likely be expanded with new media options. CNET implies that a dedicated video and music store is a natural route for the Nook Store to take.
The device will likely run on a "heavily skinned" version of Android. According to the source, the Nook will include proprietary technology developed just for the device.
The Kindle Fire 2, which will more than likely be shown off at Amazon's September 6th conference, is said to offer the following 3 model sizes: 7", 8.9", and 10".
Amazon's upcoming tablet is rumored to feature a metal case, HDMI-out ports, and a microUSB port. The Fire is said to display at a 1280 x 800 resolution, the same as the Google Nexus 7.
The Nexus 7, which sold out not long after its release, is estimated to sell 6 to 8 Million units by the End of 2012, according to research by Gartner.
With the possibility that the rumored iPad mini will release before the year is out, tablet consumers on a budget may have more options than ever before.
While the tablet market continues to saturate and prices decline, tablets are becoming even more prevalent now than they ever were. Just like any technology, as soon as it ages long enough to become affordable to the masses, it becomes an accepted part of our daily lives. Expect to see many more tablets in people's hands in the coming years.