HTC-Made Google Nexus 8 Tablet Tipped to Feature 4GB of RAM, Android L

Google still hasn't revealed plans for launching a new Nexus tablet; though we have confirmation the Nexus 5's successor, as per Sundar Pichai, would arrive sometime in the second half of 2014. However, this doesn't stop leaks regarding the next-generation Nexus tablet from coming.
New details about the alleged HTC-made Nexus 8 tablet, previously referred to as 'volantis/ flounder', have surfaced online. A Twitter user named UpLeaks has claimed that the alleged Nexus 8 has been codenamed T1, and will come with Android L out-of-the-box.

The tipster has also listed some of the purported specifications of the alleged Nexus 8 tablet, which seem to be quite high-end. The list includes a 64-bit Tegra processor; a MDM9x25 modem (3G model); 4GB of RAM; an 8-megapixel rear camera with flash; a 1.6-megapixel front camera, as well as GPS and NFC connectivity. An earlier report had suggested that the alleged Nexus 8 tablet would run the 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 chipset, along with an incredible 5GB of RAM.

Another report by Gforgames, citing South Korean certification agency RRA (Radio Research Agency), suggests that the unannounced HTC-made Nexus 8 has just been certified. The rumoured HTC device with code number '0P82100' has been spotted at the RRA site.

The alleged Nexus 8 tablet has been long-rumoured to be built by HTC, the Taiwanese giant, and hit store shelves by Q3. The anticipated HTC-made Google Nexus 8 tablet is also said to feature a 'high performance' 8.9-inch display, in an attempt to compete with Amazon's Kindle range and Apple's iPad mini. Prior to this, two alleged Nexus models (Nexus 6 and Nexus 8) were spotted in the Chromium codes.

In June, Google's Dave Burke confirmed that the Nexus program would continue unaffected by the Android Silver program and a new Nexus flagship running Android L can be expected to launch later this year.

Xiaomi Mi 4 vs. Nexus 6 Specifications, Features and Price Compared

The Xiaomi Mi 4 smartphone is becoming one of the most-compared phone today. Following its unveiling to the tech-savvy market, much has been expected from the latest addition to the Xiaomi flagship smartphones.



Google, on the other hand, has been cooking up another entry to its Nexus line of smartphones, the Nexus 6. But up to this point the tech giant hasn't confirmed or negated leaks regarding its newest baby. Questions regarding the specs, release date and who will manufacture the Nexus 6 smartphone arise. Will it be HTC or LG who will build the upgraded Nexus handset? Or is it true that the Motorola smartphone codenamed "Shamu" might be the next Nexus smartphone, according to an intelligence by Android Police?

So while the rumours regarding the Nexus 6 and the hype on the Xiaomi Mi 4 is aflame, let this article serve as a guide to help the market decide on which smartphone will make it suit to their needs and preferences.

Display and Design

The Xiaomi Mi 4 boasts of a 5-inch IPS LCD touchscreen display with a crisp and clear resolution of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels while pixel density is at 441 ppi. At the other side of the ring, the Nexus 6 is said to come out with a full HD, curved 5.2-inch LCD screen protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. But if Motorola will be tapped by Google to develop the smartphone, then the soon-to-come-out Nexus 6 will have a 5.9-inch display size.

The Nexus 6 will boast of Android's updated version which is the Android L, while the Chinese-brand smartphone uses the company's own operating system MIUI V5.

Hardware and Storage Capacity

Rumours state that the Nexus smartphone would have a 64-bit Snapdragon 800 chipset able to process at speeds of up to 3 GHz. If Taiwan Economic Daily News' information is right, then the Nexus 6 might pack-in a 64 -bit Mediatek CPU. It could either be the MT6752, octa-core chipset with a 2.0 GHz frequency or the quad-core chipset MT6732 with 1.5 GHz frequency. There's yet any leaks on the internal storage capacity of Google's flagship phone to date.

Meanwhile, the Mi 4 has two built-in storage options, the 64-GB Xiaomi Mi 4 model or the other one which has 16 GB internal memory capacity. It has a 2 GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with a CPU speed of around 2.5 GHz and an Adreno 330 GPU to boot.

Camera, Connectivity and Pricing

The Xiaomi Mi 4 has a 13-MP Sony back-facing snapper with auto-focus capability and LED flash while its selfie camera has a resolution of 8 mp. These will be the same camera specifications for the Nexus 6 when it is released by October or November  this year.

With regards to connectivity features, both phones have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC support and 4G LTE support.

The 64-GB Xiaomi Mi 4 has around U.S.$460 (AU$426) tag price, while the 16-GB model sells at around U.S.$320 (AU$340). During the Nexus 5's release, Google sold the units at around AU$540 or £300.

Purportedly, Google will also throw-in a fingerprint scanner for its updated flagship mobile device, the Nexus 6.

Android 5.0 L update for Nexus devices soon?

Google has yet to reveal a specific release date for the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. Hence, the most accurate information regarding this matter is that the update will be launched later this year.



However, some users believe that Google will veer away from its usual launching routine and schedule this year.

In previous years, Google has consistently released major Android updates twice annually. The first release usually occurs during the mid-summer while the next one happens mid-to-late-fall.

On the other hand, Apple habitually unveils its new iOS versions in the summer during WWDC. These updated versions will be alloted several months of testing before being officially released to the public. After rigorous testing and scrutiny, Apple will then public release the updated system in the fall.

This year, Google appears to intend to follow the same pattern in launching the Android 5.0 L for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10.

This assumption is actually backed by sufficient information and evidence observed by avid users and spectators of Google.

The official announcement of Android L was made in June. This debut was done at the Google I/O 2014. This version was then made available as a Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. Following the precedent set by Apple, users believe that the new Android update will be released for the supported devices roughly around late October or early November. This release will be simultaneously done with the launch of rumored new Nexus devices.

In accordance with the purported pattern, speculations have surfaced concerning a new Nexus tablet. In addition to this gadget, details of a Nexus 6 smartphone has been going around online. If these cases are proven to be correct, then both devices will also run using the new Android 5.0 L.

To sum up these speculations, it may be safe to assume that the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be publicly released around October to November.

The Top 5 Android Phones of 2014

When you are looking to explore the best Android phones of 2014, you must check out this list as it contains the top phones that manage to impress with their prowess.

Samsung Galaxy S4

If you are a Samsung fan, you just cannot ignore the popularity of S4. Despite the fact that S5 has been launched, S4 continues to rule the market. One of the factors that further pushed its popularity is the decrease in price that occurred ever since S5 made it to the market. The plastic body is a little disappointing; however, the features offered by the phone and its performance make it one of the best models of 2014.

There have been no complaints regarding the use of Galaxy S4 and the camera in particular has impressed most users.

Moto G

If you are looking for a budget deal, you just cannot miss out on Moto G. Motorola captured the mobile market once again with the launch of this model. Moto G is packed with an impressive set of specifications like a 4.5 inches display, 1.2 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM as well. There is no provision for removing the battery or adding an external memory card. However, the low price of this model makes this phone a winner.

HTC One

When we are talking of the big success of 2014, we cannot miss out on HTC. The HTC One is a phenomenally smart launch. This model has some of the most impressive specifications. The display is amazing. The HTC One M8 has taken the features a step further; however, One remains a popular choice because of comparatively lower price tag. It runs on a 1.7 GHz processor and the 4.7 inches screen comes to life with the sharp cutting edge display. Even when it comes to the camera quality, you are not likely to have complains as HTC is revamping the performance of camera by offering better clarity.

Google Nexus 5

Nexus 6 is yet to be launched and this makes Nexus 5 the best by Google so far. The reviews for Nexus 5 have been extremely promising. The design of the phone is brilliant and sharp. With a 4.95 inch display and the KitKat Android system, the Nexus 5 is smartly built. The battery life of this phone is a little questionable, yet the overall performance offered by this phone by Google is too good to be ignored. The 8 MP rear camera makes this model the ideal choice for shutterbugs.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Will the list of top phones be complete without the mention of Sony? The Sony Xperia Z1 compact has been hailed by many as the smartest launch by Sony. In a smaller package, this model has retained much of the same specifications as that offered by the extremely successful Sony Xperia Z1. The resolution of the screen seems to have dropped down a little; however, you will enjoy stunning CPU speed. The ease of multitasking is worth a round of applause.

These are the top five phones that made a stellar name in 2014.

Google’s Nexus Device Line Will Continue: A 5.9-Inch Nexus 6 Smartphone Could Kill Android Silver

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is shaking up the mobile industry with its new operating system Android L, but the tech giant could be falling back to its old and faithful hardware as other plans for device upgrades may now be uncertain.

Reports from April indicated that Google had plans to introduce a new device program called “Android Silver,” which would replace the current Nexus program that introduces new smartphones and tablets running Google’s stock Android software each year.

Many tech informants and analysts have given their predictions as to what Android Silver might be and what the program might mean for Google. The Information, in particular, speculated that Google may release Android Silver to compete with the congruent iOS ecosystem that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has developed. However, it appears the tables may be turning and the Nexus program might be here to stay while the proposed Android Silver program might be phased out before it even starts.

Recent rumors now suggest that Google has a Nexus 6 smartphone in its pipeline. According to tech website Android Police, Google has given the upcoming device the codename “Shamu” due to its size; the device may be a 5.9-inch “phablet,” which may be manufactured by Motorola (NYSE: MSI).

Notably, Google sold Motorola to Lenovo (HKG:0992) in January after having the smartphone maker as a subsidiary for about a year. The company’s relationship proved to be a conflict of interest, which prevented them from working together on the Nexus program.

A new report by the Information says Google and Motorola began developing the new Nexus hardware soon after their business relationship dissolved. Google reportedly wanted access to Motorola’s Active Display and Touchless Control technologies, which are featured on the Moto X smartphone, for its own devices.

There are few details about the Nexus 6, other than its potential screen-size. The device being called the “Nexus 6” is not even certain at this point. But its purported development could in fact mean the end of Android Silver.

Google previewed its Android L software in June, after which Dave Burke, the head of Android engineering confirmed there were more Nexus devices on the way. Burke told Dan Rowinski of ReadWrite Google’s Nexus hardware is essential to the development of its Android software. Conversely, he would not share any details on Android Silver.

Google Chief Business Officer Nikesh Arora -- who is leaving Google to head Softbank Internet and Media as CEO -- notably ran the Android Silver program and his absence may be the reason the program won’t move forward.

Several sources have told the Information Google may not have much interest in Android silver without Arora. Android Silver is -- or was -- reportedly intended to resolve fragmentation issues for Android software and to give Google control over updating devices marketed by third-party manufacturers. Similar to how most iPhones and iPads are readily compatible with each new iOS version, it is believed that Android Silver would make it so all of the most current Android devices will be able to update at the same time.

Android Silver devices were expected to be similar to Google Play Edition devices, which run stock Android, or the operating system without any third-party modifications. Many smartphone makers that use the Android operating system like to add their own user interfaces and other alterations to the software, much to Google's chagrin. This was believed to be the primary motivation for Android Silver; however, it remains to be seen if program will ever come to fruition. Android Silver was expected to launch sometime in 2015.

Now, among many questions is: How will consumers react to a Nexus phablet? Prior Nexus devices have been relatively small with the current Nexus 5 with a 5-inch display. With rumors Apple may be releasing 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones, much larger than any previous iPhone model, Google might simply be trying to keep up with the industry.