Nexus 7 2013 Problems: Could Touchscreen Issues Be The Final Deal Breaker For Google's Second-Gen Tablet?

An HD display and new Android operating system may not be enough to save the 2013 Nexus 7, as complaints from early adopters continue to roll in. Most recently, users report touchscreen issues, which could possibly be the deal breaker in the popularity of Google's second-generation tablet.

The ultra-sensitive touchscreen on the 2013 Nexus 7 appears to be much more of a hindrance than an asset. Users report a number of mistyping issues including the wrong keys registering when typing, double taps and ghost taps registering when a user has not touched the screen. Nexus 7 2013 users also have an issue with the multi-touch gestures malfunctioning with phantom gestures.

These problems are reportedly only briefly remedied with a reboot; however, most report that rebooting, booting to safe mode or resetting their tablet solves nothing and that the touchscreen issues have worsened over time. Nexus 7 users have noted that they only appear to have trouble when their 2013 Nexus 7 is running on battery power. When plugged in for charging, the tablet supposedly works fine.

In addition, Nexus 7 users report other varying conditions that accompany problems. One 2013 Nexus 7 owner reported touchscreen issues with his tablet only when it was lying on a flat surface but not while holding it, while another user reported having issues regardless of whether the 2013 Nexus 7 was being held or lying flat. A number of fed up users have said the issues occur often enough for them to have considered returning their 2013 Nexus 7.

It remains uncertain whether the issues are a hardware or software problem; however, the closet connection appears to be the over-the-air JSS15J software update that was delivered to 2013 Nexus 7 units shortly after its release. So far, Google has acknowledged the problem and says it is investigating the cause.

Another major issue 2013 Nexus 7 users are experiencing is a GPS bug, in which the device's GPS won’t work at all or will quickly drop within minutes of connecting or while switching in between apps. A malfunctioning GPS is an especially frustrating issue for those who use their tablets often while out and about. A number of systems and apps on such devices are connected to and powered by GPS. Google has similarly stated that it is investigating the issue.

The 2013 Nexus 7 released in the U.S. in late July and has yet to hit most international markets. However, it has seen some popularity in its early release, having sold out at such retailers as Staples.

In addition to issues with the 2013 Nexus 7 tablet itself, many users have also had issues with the new Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system, including slow performance speed, device freezing and Bluetooth incompatibility, among many other bugs.

Do you think the touchscreen and GPS issues will be a deal breaker for the 2013 Nexus 7? Let us know in the comments below.

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