It’s probably safe to say that we were all a little disappointed when yesterday’s 3-hour keynote finished at Google I/O without an announcement for a new Nexus 7 tablet. Rumors have circulated for months, suggesting that I/O could be the time for Google to show us a retooled model with a higher-resolution display and new Qualcomm processor. But again, we left the show yesterday without one. Is there a chance that we saw the oft-rumored follow-up in a promo video for Hangouts, though? 

Google played a quick clip during their announcement of Hangouts that featured a handful of Google products, including a Nexus 4, Chromebook Pixel, and what appears to be some sort of Nexus 7 variant. We’ve captured the two sightings of the tablet in question in the image above, so that you can decide for yourself. Is this the new Nexus 7?

As you can see from the image on the left, there is a notification light telling the girl that she has a new Hangout to join. And as you all know, the Nexus 7 doesn’t have a notification light. Also, the silver-ish rim around the edge of the device certainly looks identical to that of the current Nexus 7. Interesting, right? So is this it?

Eh, I wouldn’t go that far. This entire promo clip is filled with minor issues like the male lead using his Nexus 4 upside down and having Advanced Task Killer installed on his device. His N4 is also running what appears to be Ice Cream Sandwich, since it has the old camera icon and stock Android browser instead of Chrome.

For all we know, this blinking light on the Nexus 7 could be an effect that the marketing company was trying to achieve when putting together the clip. It could be a new Nexus 7, but I wouldn’t bet the world on that idea.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via:  reddit

Cheers Tyler!

Is Google Trolling Us or Did They Tease a New Nexus 7 in This Hangouts Promo Video? is a post from: Droid Life

With Google I/O taking place in just a few days, it’s time we talk shop about the Nexus 7. It was introduced last year during the developer conference and was met with high praise among the Android community and consumer market. It’s a perfect little tablet, isn’t it?

Although, just like all other things, something can be made better. While it does sport an already impressive 720p display, perfect for gaming on the go, maybe a 1080p would be better in your opinion? Maybe that Tegra 3 chip should be replaced by a Snapdragon? You tell us!

It is quite possible we see a Nexus 7 refresh next week at I/O, so let us know what you would like to see updated the most.

Friday Poll: What’s One Feature Update You Would Like to See Most on the Nexus 7? is a post from: Droid Life

Google has long been rumored to release an updated version of its popular Nexus 7 tablet at this year’s I/O, however, specific spec details for this re-hashed tablet have mostly been scarce. Last night, details may have emerged thanks to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Kuo, the new Nexus 7 will indeed arrive at I/O next week along with a set of impressive specs, while retaining its ultra-affordable price tag. 

The new Nexus 7 will once again be made by Asus (no surprise there), run Android 4.3, a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor (APQ8064), sport a 7″ LTPS high-res display (1920×1200), with a 5MP rear camera, HD front camera, NFC, WiFi, 4,000mAh battery, and wireless charging.

The differences from this rumored version to the current are the major bump in screen resolution (old version is 1280×800), move from NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro, rear camera (since the original N7 didn’t have a rear camera), slightly smaller battery, and wireless charging built in.

We’re also expecting the side bezel to shrink, so that the device can keep a similar shape and design while offering more screen real estate.

This new Nexus 7 should stick close to the current $199 price for the base model.

Does this sound like the new Nexus 7 you were all waiting for? The processor may seem somewhat ancient for mobile times, having been included in devices like the Nexus 4 last year, but the S4 Pro is no slouch and there should be plenty of power.

Via:  Apple Insider

Analyst Purportedly Reveals New Nexus 7 Specs – Snapdragon S4 Pro, High-res Display, and More for $199 is a post from: Droid Life

When the Nexus 7 launched with a combination of low price and decent specs, it was just what Google needed to give Android tablets a good name. When the Nexus 10 launched with one of the best displays in the industry and stock Jelly Bean, it made a good follow up to the Nexus 7, but sales so far haven’t done the same. 

Industry analyst Benedict Evans has done some snooping around the Google Play store and came to the conclusion that only 680,000 Nexus 10s are out in customers’ hands. When compared with the almost 7 million Nexus 7s reportedly sold, that number is disappointing. When you consider that Microsoft has pushed more Surface devices than that, the number becomes even worse.

What we’re curious to know, is what Google could have done to push Nexus 10 sales? Why is it that the N10 isn’t selling as well as the Nexus 7 or other tablets?

Via: BGR

Microsoft Surface Estimated to Be Selling Better Than the Nexus 10 is a post from: Droid Life

If you look hard enough, you can find a deal on an Android tablet almost any day of the year. Today’s deals are on two of Android’s biggest tablets out right now and starts with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. This is the 16GB, WiFi-only version of the device and it is refurbished, but all that will only run you $329.99. If you’re looking for something a little more stock Android however, we’ve got another sale on the Nexus 7. 

TigerDirect is having another sale on the 8GB Nexus 7 (refurbished of course), but you also get a little bit more. In addition to the tablet they’ll throw in a “Premium Internet Security Suite” to sweeten the deal. That software is probably useless, but the $99.99 price tag for the bundle is a pretty good price by itself. Hit the links below if you’ve got your wallets ready.

Buy: Galaxy Note 10.1 | Nexus 7

Cheers Travis and Dave!

Double Deal: 16GB Galaxy Note 10.1 for $329.99 and 8GB Nexus 7 for $99.99 is a post from: Droid Life

As we approach Google I/O and rumors of a new model Nexus 7 loom, deals for the current version are popping up on the daily. Today, eBay is featuring a refurbished 32GB Nexus 7 for a price of $189, which is cheaper than you’ll find anywhere. According to the listing, this has been “manufacturer refurbished,” meaning it has been “professionally restored to working order” by the manufacturer or approved vendor. Shipping is also free.

A brand new 32GB Nexus 7 currently retails for $249.

Via:  eBay

Cheers Austin!

Deal: Nexus 7 32GB Refurbished for $189 from eBay With Free Shipping is a post from: Droid Life

The Nexus 7 is still one of our top suggestions for people looking to get a great Android tablet. The combination of low price point with decent hardware topped off with it being a Nexus device made an impact. If you are looking for an even lower price point than $250, TigerDirect is shipping refurbished Nexus 7s for only $199.99 right now.

This is the 32GB version of the device with only WiFi capabilities, but if you’re looking for a low price on a great Android tablet this would be pretty hard to pass up. You might be buying at a bad time however with rumors swirling that a rebooted Nexus 7 will launch at this year’s Google I/O, but that is a decision you’ll have to make.

Buy

Cheers Justtyn!

TigerDirect Selling Refurbished 32GB Nexus 7 for $199.99 is a post from: Droid Life

Moments ago, Google introduced three new accessories to the Nexus 4 family. The N4 listings include a pair of wired headphones for $19.99, standard USB cable for $9.99, and a power adapter at $15.99.

The accessories aren’t necessarily anything groundbreaking from what we can tell, but the headphones do at least include flat tangle-free cords, aluminum backing, double rubber ear pieces, and a microphone for taking calls. The USB cable and power adapter on the other hand, are exactly what you think they are. Need a spare charger combo? I guess this is an option. 

Keep in mind that headphone purchases also include a $5.99 2-day shipping charge.

Play Links:  Headphones | Power Adapter | USB Cable

New Nexus 4 Accessories Arrive on Google Play – Headphones With Microphone, USB Cable, and Power Adapter is a post from: Droid Life

According to a report out of Reuters this evening, Google will launch a new version of its popular Nexus 7 tablet this July. The tablet will be made by Asus once again, but will use one of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors this time around in favor of NVIDIA’s Tegra line, “for power reasons,” one of their sources said. The new N7 will also sport a display with a higher resolution and a casing with a much smaller bezel than the current model. 

Outside of those details, little is known including price. But if the current Nexus 7 is anything to go off of, it’s unlikely that this new Nexus 7 will drop in at anything higher than a couple hundred dollars. The current models retail for $199 (16GB) and $249 (32GB), so as this new model is introduced and the old ones are discontinued, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it slide into those exact price points. Remember that Google isn’t trying to make money off of the sales of their devices, they are expecting to make most of their profits off of either mobile ads or the sale of products through Google Play.

With Google I/O arriving in mid-May, there is a good chance that we’ll see this new Nexus 7 on stage. The original Nexus 7 debuted at last year’s Google developer conference, so why not bring us version 2 in the same environment.

Via:  Reuters

Report: New Nexus 7 Arriving in July, Google Chooses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Over NVIDIA’s Tegra is a post from: Droid Life

This week, there was an overwhelming cry for us to feature BAMF’s Paradigm v3.1 for Custom ROM Friday. We touched on the original Paradigm last year, but it looks like there has been some major updating going down since then. It is based off of Android 4.2.2, and brings some killer custom features, coupled with great speeds and long battery life. What else could you ask for in a custom ROM? 

It is currently available for Nexus devices such as the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4, but there are murmurs suggesting it is also coming to the Galaxy S3. Below, I have thrown in some of the more awesome features that come baked inside, which should help you decide if you want to go ahead with your flashing. As a quick example, there are some extra LWP’s (I love LWP’s), configurable search soft key, and even a snazzy custom boot animation.

Add-ons:

• All stock sound files
• Additional live wallpapers not included in AOSP
• Enabled extra browser settings
• Increased rotation and animation speed and opened up 360 degree rotation
• Accurate battery
• Custom clock widget from ICS pre-release
• Added long press of Recent apps to activate menu key
• Configurable Search soft key with option to enable/disable
• Custom launcher with search bar removed, 4×5 grid layout, and custom app drawer button

BAMF Add-ons:

• Custom boot animation with audio (thanks to gadget! for the logo)
• BAMF LTE Widget
• BAMF Torch Widget
• Configurable Lockscreen with three hotseats, selectable left target, and pull down for Torch
• Completely configurable QuickSettings replacing normal settings in Status Bar

Downloads: Nexus 4 | Nexus 7 | Galaxy Nexus

Via: Team BAMF

Cheers everyone who submitted!

Custom ROM Friday: BAMF Paradigm v3.1 For Nexus Devices is a post from: Droid Life

If the $199 Nexus 7 with 16GB sold directly from Google Play wasn’t cheap enough and you still need an excuse to get yourself into the hottest Android tablet of the last year, consider today’s deal at 1SaleADay. They are offering the 8GB Nexus 7 in refurbished form for $140 with free shipping. That’s a decent deal, though we have nothing to compare the price to since the 8GB model was discontinued some time ago.

Via:  1SaleADay

Cheers Brandon, Ben and Barry!

1SaleADay has the 8GB Nexus 7 for $140, Refurbished of Course is a post from: Droid Life

Last week, I had a chance to take a look at some of the Nexus 7 case offerings from DODOcase, a San Francisco bookcase style electronics accessory designer. The cases, as I pointed out in my quick reviews, are nothing short of the highest quality. They are hand-made with eco-friendly materials in the U.S., offer all sorts of protection thanks to solid outer designs, and might be some of the prettiest cases we have seen to date. With textures like Moroccan cloth and colored canvases wrapping the outside, they feel great in hand while holding the potential to look better with age.

So as we typically do when accessories show up for our review, we’d like to give them all away to you, the fabulous Droid Life reader. We have two HardCover cases along with two of the Solid and Classic cases. The HardCover is the thinner profile case without the wood tray, so that it ends up being much slimmer while using an industrial grade adhesive to secure your tablet. The Classic and Solid both have the tray, but one uses the soft black Moroccan cloth while the other uses a slightly rougher and likely more durable, canvas. The cases range in price from $35 to $70.

Who wants one? 

Contest

Prizes:  2 (two) DODOcase HardCovers (1 black and 1 blue), 2 (two) DODOcase Solid (1 black and 1 “Fog”).

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners:

We’ll choose our four winners tomorrow morning at 9:00AM Pacific.

Contest: Win 1 of 4 DODOcases for the Nexus 7 (Updated: Winners Picked!) is a post from: Droid Life

From what we can tell, the official Nexus 7 dock has finally arrived in Google Play after months of waiting. In even better news, it’s only $29.99, which is close to $10 cheaper than at other online retailers. We took a look at this dock back in January and liked it for the most part. I can tell you already that I would have liked it even more had it only run me $30.

It has microUSB and audio out ports, but not HDMI, since the device doesn’t support MHL or HDMI-out.. So if you were hoping to use this dock to mirror your device to a TV or monitor, sorry. This really is nothing more than a stand that charges your tablet through POGO pins and can be attached to headphones or speakers to produce audio. 

Play Link ($29.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Bill!

Nexus 7 Dock Finally Arrives in Google Play Store, Priced at $29.99 is a post from: Droid Life

Earlier in the week, we took a look at the new Durable Wallet for the Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 from DODOcase (Nexus 7 too, but it’s not new), two sleeve options from the San Francisco based case maker. Today, we’re looking at more traditional bookcase style cases for the Nexus 7 from DODOcase, both of which are similar to hand-made cases by Portenzo and Treegloo that we have already reviewed. This is the Hardcover, Classic and Solid. 

Hardcover

The DODOcase Hardcover is somewhat of a hybrid bookcase. Rather than having a tray that your Nexus 7 sits firmly inside, it uses an adhesive so your device almost floats freely. The adhesive (which look like strips of stickers) is said to be reusable, industrial grade, and leave your device residue free. The Hardcover still protects your device with a hand-made bookcase style exterior that is held closed by an elastic band. There is a magnet embedded inside to activate sleep/wake upon opening or shutting. Also, since it has no tray, the Hardcover is able to sit with a much lower profile than a traditional bookcase.

Overall, I like the slim fit of the Hardcover, thanks to the lack of a tray. I will say that over time, I would hate to see that adhesive wear out. While it’s “industrial grade” and all, there is nothing like the piece of mind that the protection a traditional tray can bring.

It runs $34.95 and comes in a variety of two-tone color schemes.

Classic and Solid

The Classic and Solid DODOcases are definitely what I would consider to be traditional bookcase style cases. Both are hand-made using traditional bookbinding techniques, contain an eco-friendly bamboo tray to secure the device in, and a variety of outer materials ranging from a black Moroccan cloth (Classic) to some more colorful canvas-style options (Solid). They also have a magnet embedded inside the front cover to activate sleep or wake, an elastic strap to keep it closed, and leather inserts to fully lock your device in place.

If you are looking for the ultimate form of protection for your Nexus 7, but still maintain a level of class, you can’t go wrong with a bookcase style case. The craftsmanship here is as good as others in the industry, it’s a U.S. company, and their overall taste is exactly what I like to see in a case. If I were asked to choose my favorite bookcase of all, I would probably go with Portenzo’s Alano, but it’s also incredibly expensive with a minimum price tag of $100. You can get yourself into a DODOcase starting at $60.

The Solid $69.95, with the Classic dropping in at $59.95.

Find all of the Nexus 7 DODOcase products here.

Gallery

Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Quick Look: DODOcase Hardcover, Classic and Solid for the Nexus 7 is a post from: Droid Life

As you know after seeing our continued coverage of cases from the likes of Portenzo and Treegloo, we’re big fans of products that are hand-made in the U.S. The latest to enter our radar is none other than DODOcase, a company based out of San Francisco that has been around for some time in the Apple case game. Over the last year or so, they decided to enter the Android realm as well, and have produced some of the finest sustainable cases around.

This afternoon, we’re taking a look at their new Durable sleeve for the Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3, along with the matching Durable for the Nexus 7. They are very much like the classic smartphone pouch that has been around for years, however, very few can match the quality and design. 

Build and Design

While I may not be the biggest sleeve fan on the planet, it’s tough to not fall at least somewhat in love with the build quality and materials used in DODOcase Durables. Made with mahogany leather, a sage waxed duck exterior, a soft poppy interior, and contrast stitching, these look like they were built for battle. Not only will they hold up through every day wear and tear, but they’ll probably look better as they age.

The leather patches add grip, durability and beauty, while the waxed duck exterior gives off somewhat of a military vibe, with the contrast in orange making it feel very modern.

The Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3 cases also have outside leather pockets to go along with the internal pouch.

Price

At $49.95, the Durables for all of these devices aren’t necessarily cheap. But when you are dealing with finer materials and an outfit based out of the U.S. that does everything by hand, you get what you are paying for. These are high-quality sleeves that carry a timeless design and will also withstand every day punishment.

Keep in mind that if you decide to order one, that it takes a couple of days for them to make it, since they are made to order.

Nexus 7 Durable has been available for some time. The Galaxy S3 and Nexus 4 Durable are finally available today.

More from DODOcase.

Gallery

Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Quick Look: DODOcase Durable Sleeve for the Nexus 4, Galaxy S3 and Nexus 7 is a post from: Droid Life