Google Expected to Sell 2 Million Nexus Tablets This Year

Ahead of Google’s annual I/O developer conference this summer, speculations are high surrounding Google‘s introduction of its own self-branded Nexus Tablet running its own Android operating system. The tablet, which has been for some time speculated to be made by Asus in a 7-inch form factor, is now expected to become available in July after missing an earlier May deadline due to costs and design changes.

Google originally planned to release its entry-level 7-inch tablet PC in May, but design and costs did not reach its expectations, and the product was delayed to July for some minor adjustments.

According to DigiTimes, Google is expected to begin shipping 600,000 units of the 7-inch Nexus Tablet and the company will probably ship 2 to 2.5 million units total this year.

The tablet is widely anticipated to be targeted at rival Amazon with its low-cost $200 Kindle Fire tablet, which runs on Google’s Android OS but is heavily skin to bear little to no resemblance to Android whatsoever. The Google tablet is expected to debut at around the same $200 price point.

Since the Kindle Fire was introduced, the 7-inch tablet category has experienced some downward price pressure. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 debuted at $250 and includes commendable specs.

A prior rumor suggested that Google will give away the Nexus Tablet at its developer conference in late June and a widespread launch to consumers would take place in July, matching with what DigiTimes is now reporting. However, the information reported by DigiTimes should be considered speculation right now as that publication has a mixed track record with rumors.