Introducing the Nexus 9 Tablet

The Nexus 9 is now available at Best Buy

Google and HTC just took the wraps off what is likely to be one of the hottest tablets of 2014: the Nexus 9. Described as “powered by Android, for work and play” the new tablet features a powerful 64-bit CPU, the new Android Lollipop operating system, an 8.9-inch HD display and HTC BoomSound. 

Rumours have been flying about Google’s next killer tablet, code-named Volantis. The HTC-made tablet was officially unveiled today as the Nexus 9 and from the looks of the press release, it’s everything Android tablet fans were hoping for. 

Among the firsts for the Nexus 9 are its use of Nvidia’s new “Denver” 64-bit processor (expected to be one of the fastest mobile CPUs on the market) and Android 5.0 —formerly known as Android L and confirmed today to be “Lollipop.”

Nexus 9 Specifications

Why Go With a Google Tablet?

There are plenty of manufacturers offering some very good Android tablets. Take Samsung, for instance, the market leader with its Galaxy Tab and Note lines. 

While Google tablets play nice with your other devices, Nexus devices offer the advantage of being Android showcases. That means they’re the first to get updates so you can experience all the new features. In the case of the Nexus 9, this is the first tablet on the market to be running Google’s new Android Lollipop operating system. 

Why the 8.9-inch Display?

This is a timely question, given that I just posted a piece about the ideal tablet size. 

Many people find a 7-inch or even 8-inch tablet to be too small, especially when reading fine text or watching video. But a traditional full-sized tablet in the 10-inch range may be on the large size. 

Google went with an 8.9-inch display to bridge that gap, offering a superior reading and viewing experience over small 7-inch tablets while staying small enough to hold in one hand.

Powered by Android For Work and Play

Based on the specifications and product shots, the Nexus 9 makes for a very compelling tablet. It offers all the enhancements introduced in Android Lollipop, packs a very powerful new 64-bit CPU and its “just-right” 8.9-inch display promises to be phenomenal. 

Add those BoomSound speakers and this looks to be a multimedia winner, while the optional keyboard folio along with Google’s suite of apps will also make it a solid mobile productivity choice.

The Nexus 9 is now at Best Buy, one of the select retailers chosen to carry the new Google tablet. 

And if you want more than specs, stay tuned. My review unit is en route, so you can expect a hands-on Nexus 9 review shortly.