Google is having a hard time keeping details about its upcoming Android L-based Nexus smartphone and tablet secret. The HTC built Nexus 9 just passed through the FCC, signaling the device is about to officially be revealed.
When Google entered the tablet market in 2012, it was part of the company's well-received Nexus branded smartphones. Much like the handsets received high praise for its combination of impressive specs, stock Android, timely and regular updates directly from Google, and an affordable price tag.
The Nexus 7 has remained Google's most popular series of tablets in the Nexus program. The company hasn't released an update to the slate since July 2013 and many Android fans have been patiently waiting for a new Nexus tablet to replace 2013's model and they won't have to wait too much longer to be introduced to a new Nexus tablet and the first one expected to ship with Android L "Lollipop" out of the box and built by HTC.
We first reported on the tablet back in March and expected it to be released during the summer, just like previous Nexus tablets. It was then reported that the device would be built out of premium materials and debut at Google's I/O conference. The tablet was often referred to by its internal codenames of "Volantis" and "Flounder" The tablet was now expected to be pushed back to the fall and would be the launch vehicle for Android L "Lollipop." The 8.9-inch tablet's specs leaked and confirmed that Google was focusing on specs just as much as it was on design. HTC builds quality smartphones like the aluminum HTC One M8 and the design of the Nexus 9 is believed to include a thin aluminum and premium case in addition to its front-facing dual-stereo HTC BoomSound speakers.
The HTC Nexus 9 is getting close to a release, as the tablet has just passed through the FCC. The documents list the tablet as having both a 16 GB and 32 GB variant. It also lists their wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC connectivity. The tablet is also expected to be offered in 4G LTE variants.
While Google has yet to announce its Android L, Motorola Nexus 6, and HTC Nexus 9 event yet, some sources claim it will go down in either mid-October or early November. We'll be sure to keep you posted on all Nexus news at it happens.
