Google Nexus Gear Expected

Google hasn't said much about what it plans to announce at a media event scheduled for October 29, but thanks to a number of leaked devices, we have pretty good idea. As expected, new Nexus-branded hardware is on the way, including smartphones and tablets.

First up is a new Nexus smartphone. Numerous reports have pegged the next Nexus smartphone to be a variant of LG's Optimus G called the Nexus 4. As the name implies, it will be the fourth Nexus handset, following the Nexus One, Nexus S, and Galaxy Nexus.

Specs of the Nexus 4 will mirror those of the Optimus G. That means it will have a 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a 1.5-GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor with 2 GB of RAM, 8-megapixel camera, and Android 4.2. In the U.S, the Optimus G is sold by AT&T and Sprint. Both versions have LTE 4G. If the past is any guide, several variants of the Nexus 4 will be made available with several of the larger wireless networks in the U.S.

[ Google's business is strong, but earnings are down from last year. Read more at Google's Grim Earnings, After Premature Post. ]

A new version of the Nexus 7 tablet is also expected. The only tangible difference between the new Nexus 7 and earlier versions will be increased storage. The original Nexus 7 shipped with either 8 GB or 16 GB of storage. The new version will include 32 GB of storage.

One surprise product of the event is believed to be a new class-leading tablet from Samsung. The Nexus 10, as it may be called, will feature a display with 2560 x 1600 pixels. That gives it a resolution of nearly 300 pixels per inch. Little else is known about the tablet.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the event, however, will be a new version of Android. Though the update is not a major one, tipsters suggest that Android 4.2 Jelly Bean will make its debut along with the new hardware on October 29. What's the deal with Android 4.2? Minor updates, but welcome ones. For example, Android 4.2 is expected to support multiple Google Play Store accounts on the same device, as well as new panorama shooting tools for the camera.

Google's event gets under way at 10 AM Eastern on Monday, October 29. InformationWeek will provide live coverage of the event and news updates and analysis throughout the day.

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