TAKEAWAY: Google’s new Nexus 7 has the right price and features to become perhaps the most warmly received of the tablets ready to present the iPad with a challenger.
Google’s new Android tablet, the Nexus 7
Seems like the war of the tablets, which so far has been almost non-existent, is about to heat up with Google’s new Nexus 7, their 7-inch, $199 tablet running Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean.” There have been other tablets at around the $200-mark—the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet the most prominent. But I have a feeling from the reviews that this one may be the one for those ready to take a plunge into the world of tablets, but who don’t have an iPad budget.At that price, many iPad owners will always venture to get the Nexus 7, as I know I will.
Of course, apparently Apple is not going to sit around and take this one without a bit of a fight. According to a piece in The New York Times, Apple “is developing a new tablet with a 7.85-inch screen that is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad, with its 9.7-inch display”.
I had heard about the Nexus 7 from some enthusiastic users already, but what sealed the deal for me and made me decide that I should have one of those tablets is a glowing report by that most respected of tech gurus, Walter S. Mossberg, of The Wall Street Journal.
If Mossberg likes it, and he gives us plenty of reasons why he does (as always), then it ‘s worth taking a look at it.
Highlights of the Mossberg review:
“After testing the Nexus 7 for a couple of weeks, I consider it the best Android tablet I’ve used.”
“Despite some drawbacks, I found it a pleasure to use.”
Among the drawbacks mentioned in the Mossberg review are:
The Nexus 7 lacks a cellular connectivity option, a rear camera and the iPad’s “dazzling” screen resolution. It also has half the memory of the iPad’s. It offers fewer content choices than either the Apple or Amazon devices. It also has few apps designed for a tablet, as opposed to a phone, while the iPad has about 200,000 apps for tablet use.
One more interesting item: Mossberg writes that the Nexus 7 carries an unusual distinction:
“It’s the first tablet I’ve tested that beats the iPad in my standard battery test. It lasted over 10 hours, about 45 minutes more than the latest iPad.”
Enough said. I will get a Nexus 7 when I get home from this trip.
Judging by this review, I imagine many potential tablet users may embrace the Nexus 7, and we may, finally, have a true competitor for the iPad, and a tablet to consider when designing news apps.
Of related interest:
Google’s Marissa Mayer Tapped as Yahoo’s Chief
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/16/googles-marissa-mayer-tapped-as-yahoos-chief/?emc=na
Young tablet owners more willing to pay for news
http://paidcontent.org/2012/07/09/young-tablet-owners-more-willing-to-pay-for-news/
Highlight:
“Ms. Mayer, 37, had for years been responsible for the look and feel of Google’s most popular products: the famously unadorned white search homepage, Gmail, Google News and Google Images. “
How true!
I have spent most of Monday in Genoa, Italy conducting a workshop for top management of Il Secolo XIX, including its talented design director, Massimo Gentile, who has shared these three great and fun illustrations. Remember that I mentioned how Massimo made a pledge to himself to do a daily type illustration during 2012, and, so far, he tells me he has met his own challenge! A tall order, I should say, considering that these are beautifully finished posters.
I am sure that many of you will want to print them and hang them in your offices! How about magnets for your fridge door?
Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Massimo.
The iPad Design Lab: Storytelling in the Age of the Tablet
Video walkthrough of the iPad prototype of iPad Design Lab
