The next Nexus 7 may increase the resolution of its display to 1080p and maintain the relationship between Asus and Google, according to a report from Digitimes. The follow-up has been rumored for some time, but now Digitimes suggests Google will tweak the device with updates while maintaining the starting $199 price.
Google scarcely promoted the Nexus 7’s IPS display, which was an impressive 7-inch 1280×800 and rivaled the screen of the Kindle Fire HD. If Google preserves the aspect ratio of the Nexus 7 in its follow-up, the new display would be 1728×1080; if it conforms to a standard HD display, 1920×1080. Digitimes also suggests Google and Asus may slim down the bezel surrounding the screen, which might allow an aspect ratio change.
Reports on sales of the first Nexus 7 have been rare outside of the ballpark figures from Asus CEO David Cheng suggesting Google had sold about three million units in the four months following its launch. Digitimes indicates Nexus 7 sales have remained steady and that six million units will have shipped by the end of January. Reports on the success of the Nexus 10, or a successor to it, have also been scarce.
Release dates for the new tablet were not forthcoming. Since the first Nexus 7 debuted at Google I/O in July of last year, we’d say it’s safe to expect its successor at the same event this year starting on May 15.
