Google to cooperate with Asustek for second-generation Nexus 7

Google is set to announce its second-generation Nexus 7 tablet in May with the cooperation of Asustek Computer. The combined shipments of the company's first- and second-generation Nexus 7s are expected to reach 10 million units in 2013, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Total Google Nexus 7 shipments will surpass six million units by the end of January with the US$249 model being the best selling model, the sources noted.

Based on the recently released engineering samples of Google's second-generation Nexus 7, the sources pointed out that the prices of the new 7-inch device will be the same as the first-generation model at between US$199-249, but several specifications will be upgraded. Among the changes, the device will feature a display with Full HD resolution and an industrial design with a thinner display boarder.

The machine will also feature Google's upgraded Jelly Bean-based Android operating system to enhance integration between the software and the hardware, the sources added.