Google Announces New Nexus 7, Chromecast, And New Google Services

Google appears to be targeting Apple with some new hardware and services releases announced at a news conference today. The big item was a second generation Nexus 7 tablet. Here are the specs:

  • 1,920 x 1,200 screen with a pixel density of 323 PPI
  • Qualcomm 1.5GHz quad-core S4 Pro
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 9 hour battery life
  • NFC and Bluetooth 4.0
  • 1.2-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel back camera

The new Nexus 7 is expected to ship in July and will cost $230.

Next on the list is Chromecast. This is a direct shot across the bow of AppleTV. This is an accessory that you connect to your TV via HDMI and uses an airplay like functionality to  mirror content from a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Apparently this works with video, music, and apps like Netflix. It will work with Android devices (shock, not) and other devices such as iPhones and iPads (shock, major). Chromecast, which will retail for $35, will be available later today through Best Buy, Amazon, and the Google Play Store.

Also announced today was the Google Play Games app. Think of it as Apple Game Center for Android. It works with Google Play games services, a feature that lets developers build cloud saving, multiplayer gameplay, and achievements into apps.

Lastly, Android 4.3 was announced today. The Nexus 7 tablet will be the first to get Android 4.3 (which strangely isn’t named Jelly Bean or something…. What’s up with that?). Other Nexus devices will get it followed by other Android devices. No timetable exists that I can find when all of that might happen.

So, are you rushing out to get a new Nexus 7 or a Chromecast? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.

 

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