We’re about half way through 2014 now and as this month is June, the anticipation building up to Google I/O is starting to build and build. For us Android fans, looking forward to the next big things from Google is something that we’ve always enjoyed and we always will do. One of the bigger things we’ve been hearing a lot about over the last few months is a new Nexus 8, a slightly larger upgrade to the Nexus 7 that many of us know and love. The question is whether or not we’re going to see this mythical Nexus 8 during Google’s biggest event of the year. I’ve got my own idea of when we’ll see such a device – if we see such a device – and I’ll share that below, but for now let’s take a look some of what we know about the Nexus 8 already.
Recently, two fishy codenames for unreleased Nexus devices surfaced in source code, dubbed “flounder” and “volantis”. Traditionally, Nexus devices have always used codenames of ocean dwellers, like my Nexus 5 is dubbed “hammerhead”, which is a cool-sounding name when looking for new ROMs and updates. While specifics surrounding these devices have yet to be uncovered, I’m willing to bet that these are a new Nexus 7 (or 8, as the case may be) and a new Nexus smartphone. Why two devices and not three? Because Google doesn’t have much faith in Android tablets larger than 7 or 8-inches.
The Nexus 7 has quickly become an excellent consumer product for Google and is still easily one of the best 7-inch Android tablets on the market today. Not to mention that it’s excellent value. So, if Google’s pet tablet is doing so well, why not make it even better? A slight size increase to 8-inches would bring the Nexus tablet in line with other devices like the Galaxy Tab 8 and the iPad Mini. Besides, as components get smaller and screen bezels continue to shrink, an 8-inch tablet is no longer that much larger than a 7-inch tablet. As consumers turn on to the idea that an extra inch or so of screen makes a great deal of difference then we’re pretty sure that Google will offer these consumers what they want. After all, the Nexus 7 has arguably been a massive boost for the Play Store and Google’s content offering.
Do I think we’re going to see a Nexus 8? I sure do, it’s the way things are going and if Google want their little tablet that could to continue to be successful, they need to keep up with what other tablet manufacturers are doing. HTC is said to be making this Nexus 8 and well, if that’s the case then we’ll be seeing some more leaks out of China. Why? Because HTC just can’t hold on to a secret any more. I don’t think we’re going to see it during this year’s I/O however. The Nexus line has become a consumer product in its own right and sure, it’s not that well known, but it’s certainly helping get the word out for Android. Which is why I personally think the Nexus 8 will have an event all to itself. Besides, products are supposed to appear at product launches, not developer conferences. Right?