Google Announces $199 Nexus 7 Tablet, $299 Nexus Q Media Streamer

[Lindsford]

Well then it was an utterly useless point to make then as the solution to no sd card slots INCLUDING the iPad is not extreme data charges from mobile carriers but free wifi hotspots.

Unless you really do have more money then sense?

You're talking in circles. iPad at least has 16/32/64gb offerings and 4G/LTE radios in other models. That's why in my opinion makes the iPad an actual full fledged tablet and the Nexus 7 closer to a toy for browsing the web and streaming content...where you have wifi.

My argument wasn't to rationalize microSD or No microSD. My point is 8GB is not very much storage and as this is pushing you towards mostly streaming and cloud services, there should be another way to access that. If you wandered out further then your neighborhood McDonalds or Starbucks WiFi is not usually a free commodity. If you go on a week long trip and bring your tablet for entertainment hotels can charge $14.99 or so a night for Internet. If you're there for 4 days you've already spent more then a Verizon/AT&T/Sprint data plan for tablets for an entire month. Not to mention it doesn't have to constantly be active. It's month by month

So short version maybe you'll understand.

Low storage and no wifi access for cloud = bad for travel
Low storage and Cellular access when there is no wifi = good

 

[Slivortal]

Reread what I wrote. If there is no wifi (as in wifi available where you are, ie. plane, hotel, cabin in the woods etc) cloud storage is unavailable. Which is why most don't mind paying more for more storage.

I never said anything about google glass?

My point is the 8gb is hardly a tablet, it's a toy/web browser.

16GB is acceptable but costs almost $300 after everything is said and done.

I don't see what you're saying. Aren't all tablets toys/web browsers? I'm considering getting one of these because I could never justify buying an iPad (which I, as a programmer see as a toy, or "media consumption device") for $500.

$200 for a tech toy sounds reasonable, though. Especially when they give you $25 for content.

I mean, the other version is $250, not $300, which I see as a fair difference (20%). If $250 makes this into a "real tablet" for you (idk why), then go for it. And it still comes with $25 for things you were probably going to buy anyways.

Thank you Google for finally making an affordable, open Android device (esp with new OS, QC CPU, and graphics card). You've definitely caught my attention.

As a programmer, I appreciate how Google makes the source code for the Android language free and open source. With all the products you need to buy and license from Apple for iOS, they treat their developers more like consumers than developers.

 

[Buildbright]

This is no compittion for the ipad and thats a good thing. The device is optimised for potrait view. Google is being smart and knows it doesnt have the retail exposure even if they were even matched. But I am excited for this android tablet for a few reasons. One it pushes Apple to make a smaller ipad option. Two it kills the crappy kindle fire. Three its an exciting option for many niche users. I pre-ordered one to use as my dedicated car gps and multimedia radio.

This is the first Android tablet I have seen worth buying because its a Nexus. I hope the quality is really as good as it looks. Asus can be good and not so good.

When I watched the keynote I almost thought this was a new Google untill I saw the Q and I just shook my head lol

 

[Lindsford]

I don't see what you're saying. Aren't all tablets toys/web browsers? I'm considering getting one of these because I could never justify buying an iPad (which I, as a programmer see as a toy, or "media consumption device") for $500.

$200 for a tech toy sounds reasonable, though. Especially when they give you $25 for content.

I mean, the other version is $250, not $300, which I see as a fair difference (20%). If $250 makes this into a "real tablet" for you (idk why), then go for it. And it still comes with $25 for things you were probably going to buy anyways.

Thank you Google for finally making an affordable, open Android device (esp with new OS, QC CPU, and graphics card). You've definitely caught my attention.

As a programmer, I appreciate how Google makes the source code for the Android language free and open source. With all the products you need to buy and license from Apple for iOS, they treat their developers more like consumers than developers.

$250 + taxes / shipping is about ~$280.

If you compare it to an iPod touch, the obvious choice is to go with the Nexus. But it's still not a tablet. I'm not here to TC I'm voicing my opinion. It's a great product but there is much more to come between the rest of the summer and Christmas time as far as more Tegra 3 devices and price drops.

Also, as far as developing Apps for android vs iOS
http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-05-07/tech/31603095_1_android-developers-rovio-angry-birds

If I made an app for both platforms and was getting 3x the revenue for it via iOS I hardly doubt the $99 is that big of a factor, and would put much more time in iOS apps. I'm not a developer. I can't even Imagine the headache they must go through trying to develop apps for such a fragmented OS and such broad specs. It could be easy, I'm not one to say. But 3x More revenue speaks for itself.

 

[aziatiklover]

I understand paying shipping, but why would i pay tax when google doesnt have a store in tx!

 

[Slivortal]

$250 + taxes / shipping is about ~$280.

If you compare it to an iPod touch, the obvious choice is to go with the Nexus. But it's still not a tablet. I'm not here to TC I'm voicing my opinion. It's a great product but there is much more to come between the rest of the summer and Christmas time as far as more Tegra 3 devices and price drops.

Also, as far as developing Apps for android vs iOS
http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-05-07/tech/31603095_1_android-developers-rovio-angry-birds

If I made an app for both platforms and was getting 3x the revenue for it via iOS I hardly doubt the $99 is that big of a factor, and would put much more time in iOS apps. I'm not a developer. I can't even Imagine the headache they must go through trying to develop apps for such a fragmented OS and such broad specs. It could be easy, I'm not one to say. But 3x More revenue speaks for itself.

Sure, those are a few nice sound bites from the VP of some company.

Also, the scenarios you're referring to are mainly for iOS apps that are largely successful. If I made a couple of bucks a month on Android, I wouldn't necessarily make more on iOS even if I made 3x/month, simply because I'm paying $100 a year. Not to mention I need to get my app certified by Apple if I even want to get it on their store, so they can have the priveledge of me giving them a cut.

Not to mention that I'm a huge open source fan, so I may be biased to that extent. Coming from a research background, being able to work with an open source operating system AND language is a huge plus. Objective C vs Java? Pretty sure I'll take Java all day.

Also, after using iOS for a while now, I'm highly unimpressed by it. I'll probably stick with the phone because I'm already in the ecosystem and I don't really need crazy features and customizability on such a small device, but on a tablet I certainly prefer to have as OS-like of an environment as I can, not simply a bunch of apps layed out across a screen. The fact that I can't even access the filesystem on iOS or easily download non-Apple approved content, such as other operating systems, browsers, non-Apple approved utilities, etc, is a HUGE downside as a tech tinkerer.

I realize my views may not be the norm, and I may not want the simplicity that everyone craves. But an operating system that not only doesn't offer, but actively prevents me from using my hardware for its fullest software capabilities is not one that I enjoy.

 

[linkgx1]

Reread what I wrote. If there is no wifi (as in wifi available where you are, ie. plane, hotel, cabin in the woods etc) cloud storage is unavailable. Which is why most don't mind paying more for more storage.

I never said anything about google glass?

My point is the 8gb is hardly a tablet, it's a toy/web browser.

16GB is acceptable but costs almost $300 after everything is said and done.

You're not making any sense. Almost $300 IS NOT EQUAL TO $300.


Isn't the frickin' iPad just a toy/web browser? Oh, wait, no flash. Definitely can't watch anything on Hulu or enjoy content on the site itself.

The iPad is definitely a glorified toy, too. It's not a 'workin machine' as I can't multitask. At this point, all tablets are just TOYS.


Here's the thing. Nothing will truly be a 'tablet' beyond being a toy UNTIL Microsoft comes out with their surface product. I can get REAL work done on Office (and please, PLEASE don't bring up Pages). I can go in IE (not the best choice, but better than Safari) and go to ANY website and enjoy it's content. Depending on the specs, I can run REAL games like Portal 2, Mass Effect 3 and several other games on that. Windows PRO will support LEGACY software.

Just because the iPad is successful does NOT mean it's the definition of what a tablet should be, as it's just the closest interpretation. There's just way too many restrictions. To say the iPad sells well and is what defines tablets is like saying because the RAZR sold well it defines phones. It helps push our devices into new directions, but that does NOT indicate its the end of all things.

You REALLY telling me iPad users don't wish there was a little more functionality? That's Bologna. I'd say you're drinking too much Steve-Jobs-Koo-Aid. I find funny when Apple copies a feature, it is suddenly the greatest thing since slice bread. Hell, the Apple today is becoming a lot more open since Mr. Jobs has passed, so I wouldn't accept the iPad as what it is and think that it's perfect as it's not.

----------

Sure, those are a few nice sound bites from the VP of some company.

Also, the scenarios you're referring to are mainly for iOS apps that are largely successful. If I made a couple of bucks a month on Android, I wouldn't necessarily make more on iOS even if I made 3x/month, simply because I'm paying $100 a year. Not to mention I need to get my app certified by Apple if I even want to get it on their store, so they can have the priveledge of me giving them a cut.

Not to mention that I'm a huge open source fan, so I may be biased to that extent. Coming from a research background, being able to work with an open source operating system AND language is a huge plus. Objective C vs Java? Pretty sure I'll take Java all day.

Also, after using iOS for a while now, I'm highly unimpressed by it. I'll probably stick with the phone because I'm already in the ecosystem and I don't really need crazy features and customizability on such a small device, but on a tablet I certainly prefer to have as OS-like of an environment as I can, not simply a bunch of apps layed out across a screen. The fact that I can't even access the filesystem on iOS or easily download non-Apple approved content, such as other operating systems, browsers, non-Apple approved utilities, etc, is a HUGE downside as a tech tinkerer.

I realize my views may not be the norm, and I may not want the simplicity that everyone craves. But an operating system that not only doesn't offer, but actively prevents me from using my hardware for its fullest software capabilities is not one that I enjoy.

I like the openess of an Android phone, but again my Galaxy S was always force closing soo...


But yes, tablet wise I really think the iPad isn't cutting it. I would love to just stick a USB drive into it and pull up a file. Especially with the absence of a Wifi connection.

iOS is great on the iPhone. With something as vital as a phone, you really don't want force-closing during an emergency!

But as a tablet, I want to be able to CONSUME and ACCESS what I want. I expect some restrictions, but not like on the iPad.

 

[Lindsford]

You're not making any sense. Almost $300 IS NOT EQUAL TO $300.


Isn't the frickin' iPad just a toy/web browser? Oh, wait, no flash. Definitely can't watch anything on Hulu or enjoy content on the site itself.

The iPad is definitely a glorified toy, too. It's not a 'workin machine' as I can't multitask. At this point, all tablets are just TOYS.


Here's the thing. Nothing will truly be a 'tablet' beyond being a toy UNTIL Microsoft comes out with their surface product. I can get REAL work done on Office (and please, PLEASE don't bring up Pages). I can go in IE (not the best choice, but better than Safari) and go to ANY website and enjoy it's content. Depending on the specs, I can run REAL games like Portal 2, Mass Effect 3 and several other games on that. Windows PRO will support LEGACY software.

Just because the iPad is successful does NOT mean it's the definition of what a tablet should be, as it's just the closest interpretation. There's just way too many restrictions. To say the iPad sells well and is what defines tablets is like saying because the RAZR sold well it defines phones. It helps push our devices into new directions, but that does NOT indicate its the end of all things.

You REALLY telling me iPad users don't wish there was a little more functionality? That's Bologna. I'd say you're drinking too much Steve-Jobs-Koo-Aid. I find funny when Apple copies a feature, it is suddenly the greatest thing since slice bread. Hell, the Apple today is becoming a lot more open since Mr. Jobs has passed, so I wouldn't accept the iPad as what it is and think that it's perfect as it's not.

Wow, I'm so glad you can read. I said almost $300 in the post not $300. To say I don't make any sense and to try to reword things I wrote after you quoted them in your very own post is laughable.

Flash is dying, stop beating a dead horse. Can't watch HULU? Pretty sure I downloaded the app and stream just fine. Netflix is much better imo.

You can run real games with LEGACY? Cool story bro. Once they release OnLive with a legit controller you'll be able to run full games and use a controller



If you think Apple copies so much, take a nice look at the design of nearly every "Ultrabook" on the market.

Users always wish for more functionality but sacrificing some functionality also gives you other benefits.

I.E. Early Android battery life was terrible due to true multi-tasking, a very nice feature...when your phone isn't dead.
Early iOS had no multi-tasking, resulted in much better battery life over Android based phones.

Quasar, for iPad all your multi-tasking needs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cYWha8YFi8
Before you complain about having to do a JB that takes hardly any effort. Android users have to go further out of their way just to put a custom rom of the newest version of android or w/e on their device. ...Tradeoffs


Everyone has reasons why they pick Android vs iOS and they both have different trade offs. Same reason why some people will never buy anything bigger then a 7" tablet and are ok with 8gb while others would never imagine going with anything smaller then a 9-10" screen and 32-64gb storage.

Done replying, you're just gonna point fingers and assume I'm worshiping the earth Jobs/Cook/etc walk again. Never said the iPad was perfect. There you go throwing random accusations around again

 

[linkgx1]

Wow, I'm so glad you can read. I said almost $300 in the post not $300. To say I don't make any sense and to try to reword things I wrote after you quoted them in your very own post is laughable.

Flash is dying, stop beating a dead horse. Can't watch HULU? Pretty sure I downloaded the app and stream just fine. Netflix is much better imo.

You can run real games with LEGACY? Cool story bro. Once they release OnLive with a legit controller you'll be able to run full games and use a controller



If you think Apple copies so much, take a nice look at the design of nearly every "Ultrabook" on the market.

Users always wish for more functionality but sacrificing some functionality also gives you other benefits.

I.E. Early Android battery life was terrible due to true multi-tasking, a very nice feature...when your phone isn't dead.
Early iOS had no multi-tasking, resulted in much better battery life over Android based phones.

Quasar, for iPad all your multi-tasking needs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cYWha8YFi8
Before you complain about having to do a JB that takes hardly any effort. Android users have to go further out of their way just to put a custom rom of the newest version of android or w/e on their device. ...Tradeoffs


Everyone has reasons why they pick Android vs iOS and they both have different trade-offs. Same reason why some people will never buy anything bigger then a 7" tablet and are ok with 8gb while others would never imagine going with anything smaller then a 9-10" screen and 32-64gb storage.

Done replying, you're just gonna point fingers and assume I'm worshiping the earth Jobs/Cook/etc walk again. Never said the iPad was perfect. There you go throwing random accusations around again

First, Hulu app requires HULU PLUS.Dying doesn't mean dead. Our sun is technically dying, but it's not dead. Last I checked, there are still a large majority of webistes that use flash. Cracked. Gametrailers. Hulu. Xfinity TV. ****, too many to count.


Second, you keep pushing the almost 300. It's still not 300 so I'm not sure what's really the point of even mentioning that.


Thirdly, what the hell. You Ultrabook comment didn't in anyway reflect the fact that Apple copies too. So what about ultrabok? Apple didn't think of tablets until Microsoft showed off theirs. Apple didn't think of smartphones until AFTER RIM.


Fourth, the Motorola Droid RAZR has EXCELLENT battery life. You're talking about an extremely bloated HTC phone.

Fifth, you can't use Onlive without a wifi connection. I'm talking about games you can just play. ON. THE. SYSTEM.


I don't even care about JB. But I'm not ****ing up my phone, the 4S (note that I have successfuly rooted and put ICS on my Vibrant). There are ONE-CLICK roots for Android phones. It's actually VERY easy and I prefer the Android rooting simply because is neigh impossible to brick. You're actually just replacing bootfiles essentially. I actually bricked my phone with a BAD ICS rom. All I had to do was put a new rom on the SD, flash it to the phone and BOOM. NO MORE BRICKING.


I prefer to keep my 4s in pristine condition 'cause I don't wanna be stuck with a bricked phone on a contract.

 

[Lindsford]

Damn it fix the quotes, I can't respond to a jumbled mess!

First, Hulu app requires HULU PLUS.Dying doesn't mean dead. Our sun is technically dying, but it's not dead. Last I checked, there are still a large majority of webistes that use flash. Cracked. Gametrailers. Hulu. Xfinity TV. ****, too many to count.


Second, you keep pushing the almost 300. It's still not 300 so I'm not sure what's really the point of even mentioning that.


Thirdly, what the hell. You Ultrabook comment didn't in anyway reflect the fact that Apple copies too. So what about ultrabok? Apple didn't think of tablets until Microsoft showed off theirs. Apple didn't think of smartphones until AFTER RIM.


Fourth, the Motorola Droid RAZR has EXCELLENT battery life. You're talking about an extremely bloated HTC phone.

Fifth, you can't use Onlive without a wifi connection. I'm talking about games you can just play. ON. THE. SYSTEM.


I don't even care about JB. But I'm not ****ing up my phone, the 4S (note that I have successfuly rooted and put ICS on my Vibrant). There are ONE-CLICK roots for Android phones. It's actually VERY easy and I prefer the Android rooting simply because is neigh impossible to brick. You're actually just replacing bootfiles essentially. I actually bricked my phone with a BAD ICS rom. All I had to do was put a new rom on the SD, flash it to the phone and BOOM. NO MORE BRICKING.


I prefer to keep my 4s in pristine condition 'cause I don't wanna be stuck with a bricked phone on a contract.

Fix the quotes? It's not as if you read them correctly anyways.
Lol did you just compare the speed of the sun dying to flash? Ironic

Fourth? What the **** are you talking about? I said early android devices. You need your eyes checked. There you go with your falsities again

 

[Renzatic]

Verge has posted their review of the Nexus 7.

iPad fan though I am, this little thing is awesome. I don't know how some of you get off on saying Android sucks. What's so bad about it? Looks neat, smooth, and well organized to me.

 

[Sasoon]

300$ cheaper than iPad, and nice form factor for carrying around
Actual size comparison with iPad

 

[advan031]

Finally an Android device I am willing to try...16gb incoming.

 

[basesloaded190]

I wish this would have been released last year when the Kindle Fire was released. I would have rather gotten my mom THIS tablet instead of the fire.

 

[Taz Mangus]

That is totally pathetic!

Not what you write, that is correct, but Apples policy.

Why must I d/l from iTunes? And not just any iTunes, no, a specific local iTunes. That is totally silly.

To give you a specific example: I was planning a trip to Germany, as part of the trip is shopping I wanted to get the Aldi app:

http://itunes.apple.com/de/app/aldi-nord/id390394197?mt=8

It's a free app, but I can't install it since it's not in my local iTunes. How stupid is that?

I want freedom, not the by Apple defined freedom.

Hmmm. One of my kids handed the iPad to me last night and wanted to download a free game that is not on the iPad. I looked at it, said okay and pressed the install button. Guess what, it installed the free game right there on the spot on the iPad, no need to have a local iTunes install first. Not sure why "you" need to have apps installed from your local iTunes.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Isn't the frickin' iPad just a toy/web browser? Oh, wait, no flash. Definitely can't watch anything on Hulu or enjoy content on the site itself.

Apparently come August 15th flash is no more for Android: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1396068/. Forget watching Hulu or enjoy the site itself on Android come after August 15th. And your assesment that the iPad is a toy is completely laughable, given that it is being used in schools as teaching aids and in businesses more everyday. Internet search is your friend.

 

[rjohnstone]

Apparently come August 15th flash is no more for Android: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1396068/.

Google and Adobe are not going to disable it for users who already have it.
Adobe said they will not be creating a version for Android 4.1.

They will still be providing updates to the existing version.
If you already have it, you're fine.

If you don't have it, enable install from unknown sources and download the .apk file and install it manually.

 

[Eidorian]

Google and Adobe are not going to disable it for users who already have it.
Adobe said they will not be creating a version for Android 4.1.

They will still be providing updates to the existing version.
If you already have it, you're fine.

If you don't have it, enable install from unknown sources and download the .apk file and install it manually.

I believe there is a note that if Flash is already installed, while on 4.1 expect anomalous behavior.

 

[rjohnstone]

I believe there is a note that if Flash is already installed, while on 4.1 expect anomalous behavior.

Yes... with the stock browser.
I use Dolphin, which has excellent support for Flash.

 

[Lindsford]

First, Hulu app requires HULU PLUS.Dying doesn't mean dead. Our sun is technically dying, but it's not dead. Last I checked, there are still a large majority of webistes that use flash. Cracked. Gametrailers. Hulu. Xfinity TV. ****, too many to count.


Second, you keep pushing the almost 300. It's still not 300 so I'm not sure what's really the point of even mentioning that.


Thirdly, what the hell. You Ultrabook comment didn't in anyway reflect the fact that Apple copies too. So what about ultrabok? Apple didn't think of tablets until Microsoft showed off theirs. Apple didn't think of smartphones until AFTER RIM.


Fourth, the Motorola Droid RAZR has EXCELLENT battery life. You're talking about an extremely bloated HTC phone.

Fifth, you can't use Onlive without a wifi connection. I'm talking about games you can just play. ON. THE. SYSTEM.


I don't even care about JB. But I'm not ****ing up my phone, the 4S (note that I have successfuly rooted and put ICS on my Vibrant). There are ONE-CLICK roots for Android phones. It's actually VERY easy and I prefer the Android rooting simply because is neigh impossible to brick. You're actually just replacing bootfiles essentially. I actually bricked my phone with a BAD ICS rom. All I had to do was put a new rom on the SD, flash it to the phone and BOOM. NO MORE BRICKING.


I prefer to keep my 4s in pristine condition 'cause I don't wanna be stuck with a bricked phone on a contract.

So this might sound crazy but I had this insanely vivid dream of our sun blowing up last night. I woke up and the first tech article I read jelly bean is killing flash off flash. Leaving only 3rd party app solutions that aren't as stable Hate to say I told you so, friend.

 

[bozzykid]

One thing this does is almost force Apple to create a 7in iPad. I'm guessing by the end of the year or early next year at the latest. I love the iPad, but people are falling in love with the smaller 7in form factor.

 

[Fraaaa]

You don't have to pick one over the other. That's what a vertically integrated system is. It's both. There is no picking. Why would you insist on "having to pick" ?

Because the guy before me was picking too

 

[inkswamp]

That's not android/googles fault. That's your carrier's fault.

Okay, so we're back to the old mid-90s PC era where Microsoft blamed Dell and Dell blamed the the third-party and the third-party blamed Microsoft...

At the end of the day, Android is Google's baby. If they don't give a crap enough about it to protect it in some way, then that doesn't excuse Google. The buck stops with them. There are all kinds of ways Google could twist some arms to ensure more Android devices get updates, but the OEMs and the carriers don't benefit from that so it's not a priority. Google doesn't care so neither do they. That is, in fact, Google's fault. They set the tone.

This is why the next android phone I get will be a nexus phone - that way you get the OS directly from google.

This is amusing. So to make up for Android's shortcomings, a user has to limit buying decisions to one vendor. Hmm... and what was that Android users are always saying about choice?

 

[cwwilson]

This is the first tablet that I've ever bought, long lusted for an iPad but could never justify the ridiculous pricing on them. They're not notebooks, so they shouldn't be priced like one. For this Nexus tab to be the first with Jelly Bean and to have a 7" IPS display and for half the price of the iPad, it's everything I could want.

Anyone have a surefire release date? I only see ships in 2-3 weeks.

 

[Buildbright]

This is the first tablet that I've ever bought, long lusted for an iPad but could never justify the ridiculous pricing on them. They're not notebooks, so they shouldn't be priced like one. For this Nexus tab to be the first with Jelly Bean and to have a 7" IPS display and for half the price of the iPad, it's everything I could want.

Anyone have a surefire release date? I only see ships in 2-3 weeks.

I preordered one as well and I have two ipads. Ipads are not cheap but they are worth every dime they charge. I have never owned a device in my life that everyday I use it makes me love it more. it has almost completely replacement my Air.