A new report claims that the upcoming HTC-made Nexus 8 will feature high-end specs to showcase Android L. The tablet will pack a 64-bit Tegra processor, 4 GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, and more.
When Google launched its first tablet, the original Nexus 7 tablet in July 2012, the slate was the first device to ship with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Google partnered with Asus to manufacture the tablet and it chose to use high-end specs to showcase all of the new features in its latest version of Android. The tablet was an instant hit with Android fans and consumers due to its relatively low entry price of $199 and since it was a Nexus-branded device, it was guaranteed to receive the latest and greatest version of Android whenever Google released it.
In July 2013, Google introduced a new Nexus 7 model that was once again built by Asus. The tablet featured a redesigned case, a 7-inch 1920 x 1200 HD display, 2 GB of RAM, and was the first device to ship with Android 4.3. The Nexus 7 (2013) was an even bigger success than its predecessor and became one of the top small-sized tablets on the market.
In March, we reported that Google had reportedly commissioned Asus to once again build its upcoming Nexus tablet and it was expected to be released in July with an 8.9-inch display and an Intel 64-bit processor.
A few days after that report, news began to spread that Google had dropped Asus in favor of HTC on what was described as a "high-performance" and premium tablet that was designed to go head-to-head with Apple's iPad mini with Retina display.
In June more details began to leak about the HTC-built Nexus 8, which was code-named "Flounder" and was reportedly going to make its debut at Google I/O. The Nexus 8 never made an appearance at Google's developer conference and Android fans have been wondering when and if the much-hyped tablet was still in the cards.
A new report claims that the HTC Nexus 8 is very much alive and its reported specs will be worth the wait. According to a tweet from Upleaks, the tablet -- which has been referred to by two different code names, Flounder and Volantis -- is now being referred to as the "HTC T1." The tablet will reportedly feature a premium metal case and an 8.9-inch 2560 x 1600 display. It will be the first device to ship with Android L and will pack in a 64-bit Tegra processor and 4 GB of RAM. It will also sport an 8-megapixel rear camera when it ships.
There's no word on a specific release date but since we know Android L, the next major build of the operating system, is expected to be released in the fall, it's safe to assume that's when the HTC Nexus 8 will likely be released. We'll be sure to keep you posted on any new Nexus 8 news as it happens.
