The much-rumored HTC Nexus 9 tablet is finally official, coming as one of the launch vehicles for Google's latest Android 5.0 Lollipop.
At the same time, the Nexus 9 marks the revival of Google's collaboration with HTC, as the two companies haven't worked together since the original Nexus One, and also marks HTC's return to the tablet market after a good while.
Specs
The HTC Nexus 9 comes to replace both the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10 tablets, and boasts impressive specs and features all around. The tablet features an 8.9-inch display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, but the most impressive aspects are under the hood.
The Nexus 9 joins the elite with a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor clocked at 2.3GHz, paired with 192-core Kepler graphics and 2GB of RAM for a fast and fluid performance. Other specs include 16GB or 32GB of internal storage capacity, an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 lens, a 1.6-megapixel front shooter, optional LTE, NFC, and Google's new Android 5.0 Lollipop rocking the software side.
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Android 5.0 Lollipop comes with 64-bit support, which makes the Nexus 9 the first Android tablet to be optimized for 64-bit on both the software and the hardware fronts. The latest version of Android also brings along notable improvements within the user interface, enhanced security and business features, better battery optimizations, Google's new Material Design, and more.
Nexus 9 Keyboard Folio
The Nexus 9 further comes with an optional Keyboard Folio (see image above), which attaches via magnets and pairs through NFC. This keyboard accessory also comes with its own battery, which will reportedly last for about five months on a single charge.
Design
In terms of appearance, the new HTC Nexus 9 doesn't sport the unibody design that was rumored, but it does have a stylish metal frame around its edges. The Nexus 9 will come in three color options: Lunar White, Indigo Black, and Sand. The black model will have a matte black metallic edge, while the white and sand models will have the frame in silver.
Pricing and availability
Lastly, the new HTC Nexus 9 will go up for pre-order on Oct. 17 on the Google Play store and will start shipping on Nov. 3. The 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi models will reportedly cost $399 and $479, respectively, while the 32GB LTE variant will go up to $599.
In the meantime, head over to Google's website at this link for more details, or watch the video below to see the HTC Nexus 9 in action.