Google has chosen Taiwanese electronics giant Asus to manufacture its first move in the tablet market, with a 7-inch Nexus-branded device expected to launch in May.
That's according to a report by DigiTimes, which claims Google is keen to target not Apple's recently unveiled iPad refresh, but rather the cheaper end of the tablet market, currently being led by Amazon's Kindle Fire.
The new Nexus tablet is likely to retail for somewhere between $199-$249 according to "industry sources", putting it squarely up against Amazon's $199 device.
Three become one
Interestingly, DigiTimes claims Asus was picked over rivals HTC and Acer, with the site's sources claiming HTC had a "strong design capability but insisted on directing development of the co-brand model and was unwilling to develop a low-price model to impair its brand image".
Acer, meanwhile, was reportedly unable to offer an in-house research and development capability for the device's development.
In contrast, it's claimed Asus is to use its newfound partnership with Google to "win Google's confidence" and strengthen its position within the Android ecosystem.
Strategy switch
Indeed, Asus' apparent partnership with Google represents quite a turnaround.
Back in November, it was widely reported the company had decided to halt development on all future Android tablets owing to the success of Amazon's Kindle Fire.
It was claimed Asus was reluctant to try and take on the low price of Amazon's device, with the online retail giant able to sell the hardware itself at a loss, driving profit instead from the tablet's software services.
[source: DigiTimes]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
May 28th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast - ustwo games’ María Sayans on the sustainable strategy behind Monument Valley
Feature
May 28th, 2024
Hot Five: Disney x Fortnite, Sega’s sonic speed, and a potential Keywords Studios buyout
Feature
May 27th, 2024
“There has been an increase in funding opportunities for African developers with more exciting times to come"
Events
Unreal Fest Gold Coast 2024 | Australasia | May 29th |
For The Win 2024 | Europe | May 29th |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Game Access Conference 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
GDCy Fest 2024 | May 31st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st |