Google working on updated Nexus 7 tablets ahead of rumoured July launch

Rumours have surfaced that Google is working with key hardware partners on the next version of its Nexus 7 tablet, ahead of a possible July launch.

Reuters reports that two sources are suggesting Google is working with key partners including Asustek, which trades in Australia as Asus, and chip design giant Qualcomm on the new tablet.

Key features of the new tablet over its predecessor are said to include a higher screen resolution, a thinner bezel and the use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips in place of NVidia’s Tegra 3 processor.

In terms of pricing, Google is said to be evaluating a number of options, including releasing the new tablet at $US199 and cutting the cost of the current model, or discontinuing the current model and reducing the new version at $US149.

The smartphone and search giant hopes the low price point will see it sell as many as 8 million of the tablets in the second half of this year, heading off threats from both tablets running Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Apple’s 7-inch iPad mini.