Meet Google's Kindle Fire-Killing Tablet

Rebecca Greenfield
Meet Google's Kindle Fire-Killing Tablet

At this afternoon's Google developer conference keynote, the company confirmed what all the rumorers had expected, a Nexus 7 tablet, a streaming media player and an Android upgrade. Plus: We also got another look at those Google AI glasses. The rumormongers really did well this time, too. Here are the details from today's event.

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  • As expected, the tablet comes in two flavors at two prices, with the 8GB costing $199 and the 16GB costing $250.

  • In a move to steal people from Amazon's media-first Kindle Fire, the purchase also comes with $25 in credit for the Google Play store, where people can purchase all their media.

  • It is 7 inches -- just like the Fire -- and its battery gets up to 8 hours of active use.

  • Also, also as expected, it will run the latest Android Jellybean software.

  • It has Google's updated maps

  • And it comes out today, ships in mid-July.

On top of the tablet, Google also announced an attempt to conquer the living room with Nexus Q, which is "made for Google Play" at home.

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  • It's an at-home media streamer that looks like a bulbous orb of an alien with tendrils to eat you with.

  • Users control it with their new Nexus tablets or Android phones.

  • Google put a lot of emphasis on the visual aspect of listening to music -- very Windows Media Player of them.

  • As for parts: It's 4.6 inches in diameter and weighs two pounds. It also has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of flash memory.

  • Equipped with a 25 watt amp, it hooks right up to speakers.

  • Runs Android software.

  • It is connected to the Cloud.

  • It has some social stuff going on, where people can give each other music and movie suggestions from each others' Google devices.

  • It costs $299 and is available in the next 2-3 weeks.

  • Oh, and it's made in the U.S.A

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Speaking of Google Play, Google also updated it with more things you will want to read and watch, now with TV, movie and magazine options.

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We also get a sneak peak of those Google glasses, complete with extreme sport demonstration brought to us by Sergey Brin. In an attempt for when these would come in handy Google presents some situations, like, catching baby moment or while skydiving. This product isn't for we regulars yet, but Google will let some developers play with its Explorer program.

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As for that Android Jellybean software, Google has given its OS an overhaul, which comes out as an over-the-air update in mid-July. Here are the updates:

  • It's faster, running at 60 frames per second.

  • It has a new home screen.

  • It has an updated camera, with an undo feature.

  • Has psuedo Siri offline voice activated typing.

  • A new notification center that lets users do more things right there. Like, duh, a Google+ integration that allows users to see and +1 things right there.

  • We also get a revamped search with a new interface, Siri-like voice search, which speaks answers back and a feature called Google Now, which uses real-time data to make one's life easier. For example, it shows current traffic and metro data to make that day's commute easier. Or, it shows nearby restaurants while walking down the street.