New Nexus 7 Rumors: More Evidence Surfaces For the Second-Gen Tablet's July Release

Nexus enthusiasts were disappointed when Google's second-generation Nexus 7 tablet was not unveiled at the Google I/O conference last week; however, this has not discouraged reports suggesting the new and improved device is on its way.

Following rumors that the new Nexus 7 will land in July running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean are reports that components for the tablet are currently being shipped for production. According to Digitimes, Taiwanese integrated circuitry supplier Elan Microelectronics has begun shipping touchscreen controllers for the new Nexus 7.

Some consider that units being produced now could put the device on track for a July release, with components shipping in late May for production in June.

While Digitimes has a dodgy rumor track record, the website has been supplying evidence for most of the Nexus 7 rumors of late. Digitimes also reported the Nexus 7 will likely release in July with a sales target of 6 million to 8 million units for the second half, adding that the device will likely feature a 7-inch 1920 x 1200 LTPS display and a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor or Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and be priced the same as the original Nexus 7 at $199.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had similar predictions for the new Nexus 7, suggesting that the device would also include low power usage, LTE support, USB 3.0 support, QuickCharge 2.0 capability allowing for full charges in three hours instead of seven, improved battery life and game-play support.

Despite several reports, details about the Nexus 7 remain very much in the realm of rumors and speculation. Many suspect that the new Nexus 7 was featured in a demonstration video for the Google Hangout app, which was shown at Google I/O. A brief shot of a small tablet device that resembles the Nexus 7 can be seen during the video. The device notably has a blue notification light blinking, a capability that the current Nexus 7 does not have. Most are convinced that the video is proof that an updated Nexus 7 is on the way.

Most also remain certain that Android 4.3 will release alongside the Nexus 7 in July, as opposed to Android 5.0, despite Google’s Key Lime Pie teaser at the I/O conference. When several tech blogs discovered evidence of Android 4.3 tests of late, many enthusiasts abandoned rumors of an Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie release as the leaks have been some of the most concrete information we have seen on an upcoming Android system.

Just hours before I/O’s keynote began, even more concrete evidence of Android 4.3’s existence surfaced in the form of a Google search result directly from Android’s developer’s website that referenced Android 4.3.

Additionally, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group released a statement last Monday during the I/O alluding to Android API 18 (the current operating system Android 4.2 is notably Android API 17) that will support Bluetooth Smart, a low-energy form of Bluetooth that has been unavailable on Android devices thus far. However, for now we can only assume the new Android API is Android 4.3.

Currently, all we really know for certain is that Google is doing a good job at keeping us in the dark; however, if rumors are true, more details should emerge in a few weeks.