Google's 2012 budget 7-inch tablet, the Nexus 7, did extremely well, putting Google at the forefront of the tablet wars alongside the iPad and Kindle Fire. The company is widely expected to debut a successor at its upcoming Google I/O conference, except that it could be showcasing Android 4.3, not Android 5.0.
Many had originally expected Google to come out with a completely revamped Android 5.0 operating system, nicknamed "Key Lime Pie," at Google I/O. However, recent server log activity and rumors show Android 5.0 may be running behind schedule, and Google is instead focusing on a minor upgrade with Android 4.3.
Google hasn't commented on the matter, and confirmation about which Android operating system is next in line probably won't come until Google I/O kicks off May 15.
The second-generation Nexus 7 is rumored to hit shelves July 2013, further lending credence to the possibility of a May reveal. Google used last year's Google I/O conference to unveil the original Nexus 7 tablet.
While nothing has been officially declared, the second-generation Nexus 7 should be coming with an improved high-definition display, a thinner bezel, and the usual camera improvements. It also seems that the next Nexus 7 will utilize a Qualcomm chip rather than an Nvidia Tegra chipset, according to insiders in a Reuters report.
Google's line of Nexus products, including the larger Nexus 10 and Nexus 4 smartphone, have gained a large following due to their budget pricing and ability to snag Android updates months before competing devices.
Would you pick up a second-generation Nexus 7 tablet?
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