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 early morning, an epic game by the name of Ravensword: Shadowlands arrived on Google Play. The game is an RPG, but brings one of the largest and most immersive worlds to mobile devices ever seen. In the game, you play as a hero who must find powerful weapons, collect rare items, and basically solve the mysteries and beat the baddies. 

Features:

• Enormous 3d world to explore
• First Person and 3rd Person on the fly switching
• Gorgeous and realistic scenery
• Ragdoll Physics
• Hundreds of items to use
• Reflex and precision based combat with manual blocking and dodging
• Flying Mounts
• Tons of enemy types including huge prehistoric creatures. (including massive T-Rex’s)

It costs a whopping $7, but you will be happy to know it works on my full list of devices, which is rather extensive, so you shouldn’t run into any compatibility issues. Go enjoy yourself.

Play Link ($6.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ravensword: Shadowlands Now Available on Google Play for $7 is a post from: Droid Life

This morning at GTC, NVIDIA’s CEO unveiled an official roadmap for their mobile processor line, Tegra. Currently, many devices feature a Tegra 3 processor, known as the world’s first quad-core processor for mobile devices. At this year’s CES, NVIDIA announced the Tegra 4 with a built in LTE modem, although we have still to see the Tegra 4 hit mass production in phones and tablets. 

We now have two new future chipsets to think about, Logan and Parker. The Logan will feature a Kepler GPU, full CUDA 5 computing platform, and OpenGL 4.3. As for Parker, it will showcase a Maxwell GPU, Denver CPU (CPU+GPU combo), and FinFET 3D software technology. Although they didn’t give official names, one could assume these are the Tegra 5 and Tegra 6.

As we can see at the bottom, we see the years 2014 and 2015 on the timeline, so we don’t have to hold our breath just yet. There will be lots more to come from GTC, as the floor opens up today, so stay tuned.

NVIDIA Unveils Tegra Roadmap, Logan and Parker Mobile Processors is a post from: Droid Life

If you are interested in the world of mobile processors and the next generation of GPU’s, then the GPU Technology Conference in San Jose, CA is where you want to be. I am here live at their keynote, where NVIDIA CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang is set to kick off the conference.

We were told to expect some “surprises” on Tegra and gaming, so let’s cross our fingers and hope for something sweet.

Watch: GTC Keynote From San Jose With NVIDIA CEO is a post from: Droid Life

If you were looking for a brand new shooter to take you into the weekend, here it is! The game is called The Conduit, built specifically for Tegra-powered devices. It is a first person shooter, bringing console-quality graphics and big guns right to your mobile to kill these evil aliens. The game was previously released for the Wii, but it translates quite well to Android. 

In the game, you play as Michael Ford, a man who has been enlisted by The Trust. Your job is to take back our planet, using weird alien-like technology and high-powered rifles. Sounds like my kind of job.

Like I mentioned previously, it is currently only available for Tegra-powered devices, which cuts the amount of people who can play it quite a bit. Although, if you are running a Nexus 7 or Transformer-series tablet, you are in luck. The game is free for the first two missions, then $5 for the remaining 7 missions.

Play Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Conduit Hits Google Play, Another Tegra-Enhanced FPS Title is a post from: Droid Life

At the 2013 CES, NVIDIA took center stage with Project SHIELD, showing off an upcoming Android title called Real Boxing. Well, we still don’t have SHIELD (and you know how I feel about that), but Real Boxing hit Google Play this AM. Real Boxing is the most life-like fighting experience you will find on Android currently, bringing enhanced 3D graphics and lighting. The game is so detailed, you will see every drop of blood as you pummel it out of your opponent. 

That’s all find and dandy, but what sort of puts a bad taste in my mouth is that the title is currently a Tegra exclusive title. So, most phones are already out of the picture and it’s basically limited to anyone that owns an ASUS tablet. Hooray for the openness of Android. Rant over.

The game costs $5 in Google Play, which may not be too bad if boxing is your sport of choice.

Play Link ($4.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Real Boxing Hits Google Play, Remains a Tegra Exclusive Title For Now is a post from: Droid Life

According to Pacific Crest analyst Michael McConnell, the next version of the Nexus 7 will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) processor instead of NVIDIA’s next-gen Tegra 4. Because of Qualcomm’s tighter integration with modem technology, McConnell figures that a Snapdragon chip will simplify the supply and essentially lower costs. 

As you all know, the current Nexus 7 runs NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor. However, thus far, no version of the Nexus 7 contains an LTE chip, something that has become somewhat commonplace when it comes to Tegra 3 devices. If Google were to go with Qualcomm, they will have no issues taking the next Nexus 7 into LTE territory, should that be one of their goals.

McConnell states that the new Nexus 7 will ship in Q2 of this year. This matches up to a previous rumor which suggested that Google and Asus would unveil the next-gen tablet at Google I/O in May.

The latest spec chatter pegs the device has having a full HD (1080p) display, smaller bezel, and dropping in at the same $199 and $249 prices we are seeing from the current model.

Thoughts on the lack of a Tegra 4? Qualcomm over NVIDIA, OK with you?

Via:  CNET

Analyst Claims New Nexus 7 Will Ditch Tegra Chip in Favor of Qualcomm, Arrives in Q2 of This Year is a post from: Droid Life

Outside of NVIDIA’s Project Shield gaming system and the Tegra 4, their other CES announcement of Grid Cloud Gaming might be equally as impressive. With their new Grid servers, NVIDIA is taking PC-quality gaming and pushing it to any screen in the world, including mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.  

These Grid servers have specialized hardware and sophisticated streaming and virtualization software, that simultaneously  delivers up to 36-times more HD-quality game streams than first-gen cloud-gaming systems. It’s also supposed to reduce lag, something that everyone should be worried about when considering a cloud gaming system. To learn all of the dirty details inside Grid, hit up NVIDIA’s site.

We had a chance to take Grid for a spin today at NVIDIA’s CES booth. Our video footage is below, but overall, Tim (our resident gamer) came away mostly impressed. He experienced a bit of lag with Need for Speed, but on games like Battlefield 3, it was pretty on point.

If this is the true future of gaming, count us in as part of the “excited” group.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Hands-on With NVIDIA’s Grid Gaming System on a Nexus 7 [CES 2013] is a post from: Droid Life

Well, here we are at CES 2013. The first of our many press events starts tonight at 8:00PM Pacific and is hosted by NVIDIA, here at Rain Nightclub in The Palms.

We really aren’t sure what to expect tonight, but NVIDIA always puts on a good show at CES. Any chance we see the Tegra 4? Maybe another ultra cheap tablet? Some other kind of surprise?

You’ll find a live blog below, but we also have a live video embed of the event so you can watch along with us. Get ready!

Live: NVIDIA Press Event [CES 2013] is a post from: Droid Life

Last night on The Droid Life Show, we briefly touched on mobile processors and the marketing that goes behind them. We discussed that when buying an Android smartphone, sometimes are you not only buying into the Android ecosystem, but you are also buying into that mobile chip’s ecosystem as well.

For example, if you have a NVIDIA Tegra-powered device, the list of games you are able to play is much higher than say a Texas Instrument chip, given that some games released are exclusively for Tegra devices. It’s an interesting move by the manufacturers, but that’s the world we live in where everyone wants to differentiate themselves from the pack.

Down below, feel free to let us know which processor powers your lovely Android device of choice.

Thursday Poll: What Processor Is In Your Android Device? is a post from: Droid Life

Looking to pick your kid up an inexpensive, yet completely power-packed children’s tablet this holiday season? Fuhu, a manufacturer that dedicates their time to creating tech just for kids, has launched the nabi Jr., powered by NVIDIA’s dual-core Tegra processor. The tablet features a 5″ (840 x 400) touchscreen display (quite small), Ice Cream Sandwich, and comes in 4GB and 16GB storage options. Interestingly enough, the 4GB variant comes with a low price of just $99, while the 16GB model is just $129. Why they decided against an 8GB model is beyond us, but we’re sure they had their reasons. 

The tablet will have a complete accessory line, which is something even some top manufacturers can’t seem to deliver for our adult-sized toys. The nabi Jr. goes on sale mid-December and can be found in both retail stores or online.

Via: Nabi

Fuhu’s 5″ nabi Jr. Tegra-Powered Children’s Tablet, Starting at Just $99 is a post from: Droid Life

Last night, two high profile games hit Google Play that come with NVIDIA’s Tegra stamp of approval. Razor Salvation, is an kill em’ all game, where you’ve been sent back to Earth to save survivors of some sort of attack on humans. You’re placed in a giant pod equipped with machine guns, rocket launchers, and other various weapons and you must kill enemy forces while saving humans. The game costs $2 and if blowing things up is your style, then it’s worth a shot. 

Sumioni Demon Arts is certainly the most interesting game of the two. It was previously released for the PS Vita and features some very unique gameplay. Using your fingers, you draw pathways and walkways for your character to maneuver which helps you complete levels and kill huge monsters. The story takes place in ancient Japan, where an evil Ink Master has taken over the world with powerful monsters. Your character is a demon that was summoned by one of the good Ink Masters and it’s your job to save the world.

The game costs a full $12.83, so you may want to do some research into this game before dropping that kind of dough. If you pick either of them up, let us know what you think.

Play Link: Sumioni Demon Arts ($12.83) | Razor Salvation ($2.03)

Salvation Trailer:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sumioni Demon Arts Gameplay:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Razor Salvation and Sumioni Demon Arts Hit Google Play With Force is a post from: Droid Life

The latest game to hit Google Play and the Tegra Zone is Beach Buggy Blitz, a “casual driving adventure game” that sets you and your buggy loose on a mysterious tropical island. From there you get to drive around where you want, collecting coins and trying not to hit all of the distractions scattered around. The coins you collect let you buy other buggies and power-ups to help along your explorations and make the game worth coming back to. 

If you have a Tegra powered device you can get the THD edition with extras that the regular edition doesn’t include. Unfortunately for the moment the game only works with Tegra devices – support for other devices will be added soon. If you feel like getting your buggy on your Nexus 7 or other Tegra device, hit the link below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Link

Beach Buggy Blitz Hits Tegra Zone and Google Play, Packed Full of Karting Madness is a post from: Droid Life

From the same creators of the WiFi standard, comes the Miracast wireless display standard, which allows for the wireless beaming of the display contents on your mobile phone or tablet, directly to a large HDTV screen in your house without a wireless router. To sum it up, you won’t need anymore HDMI or MHL cables cluttering up your home theater to copy your phone’s display onto your big screen in the living room. 

NVIDIA is embracing this technology and has added enhancements for Tegra-powered devices to take full advantage of Miracast. To get a an idea of what they’re doing to enhance the new standard for wireless beaming, check the video down below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: NVIDIA

NVIDIA to Add Support to Tegra Chips for Miracast Wireless Display Standards is a post from: Droid Life

It’s the final week of DL and NVIDIA’s celebration of TegraZone’s first birthday. The turnouts have been more than fantastic, so let’s have one last hurrah! As a reminder, NVIDIA is also hosting their own separate giveaways over at TegraZone, so make sure you enter those for even more chances to win a brand new ASUS tablet and other cool prizes. Good luck to everybody.

Contest:

Update:  Winner – Our winner is baldypal who enjoys playing “3 star level type games” on phones and “adventure and shoot’em up games” on tablets. He has been contacted and will receive his prize pack shortly. And with that, we wrap up this 3-week blitz of contests, powered by NVIDIA and Asus. Big shout out to both companies for providing so many amazing price packs. Be sure to check out the TegraZone if you haven’t yet, for all your gaming needs.

Prize -

Running the latest Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad (review here) is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier. Along with the tablet, you will also receive a matching lapdock, Jambox Speaker, and Logitech game controller.

To enter -

1.  Follow @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra on Twitter.
2.  Tweet the following:

Win a Transformer Pad Prize Pack from @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra to celebrate TegraZone’s first birthday! – http://goo.gl/V3b1s #android

3.  In the comments, tell us what your favorite type of game (FPS, RPG, etc) to play on your smartphone is.

Entry period and Winner -

The contest will run from the time of this posting until Friday (5/25/2012) at 3PM Pacific. At that time, a winner will be chosen from the comments and contacted via email. Make sure to use a valid email address with Disqus.

A huge thanks goes out to NVIDIA and ASUS for hosting the contest and putting up the prizes. 

Week Three Contest: Win an Asus Transformer Pad Prize Bundle (Updated: Winner Picked!) is a post from: Droid Life