Google unveils large tablet, revamped Nexus line-up

Google said on its blog that its Nexus 10, a rival to the market-leading iPad, would be "the highest resolution tablet on the planet" and would offer settings for multiple user accounts.

The Nexus 10 appeared to be the firm's entry into the 10-inch (26cm) screen tablet market pioneered by Apple, which last week unveiled a smaller seven-inch iPad mini to be sold alongside its 10-inch original iPad.

Google also said it would be selling its Nexus 7, which has a seven-inch screen, with mobile access for GSM networks worldwide.

And Google unveiled its Nexus 4, a smartphone with a 4.7-inch screen manufactured with South Korea's LG.

"A Nexus device is much more than simply a phone or tablet. It's your connection to the best of Google - all of your stuff and entertainment, everywhere you go with no hassle," Google's Andy Rubin wrote in a blog post.

"Now you have three new Nexus devices, a new improved version of (Android operating system) Jelly Bean and more entertainment than ever before - all available in Google Play. The playground is open."

Google Play to launch in Europe

Google said the music offerings on Google Play, the firm's online store, would be launched in Europe on 13 November, with a new feature to allow music in a customer's online collection to be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

It will be offered in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

"We'll scan your music collection and any song we match against the Google Play catalogue will be automatically added to your online library without needing to upload it, saving you time," Google said.

"This will be available in Europe at launch on 13 November and is coming to the US soon after. This will all be for free - free storage of your music, free matching, free syncing across your devices and free listening."

Google had scheduled a news conference in New York for the announcement but cancelled the event due to Hurricane Sandy.

The entry-level Nexus 10 will be sold at US$399, or about US$100 less than the least expensive iPad, starting 13 November in the US, Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.

Nexus 7, which was launched earlier this year, is available in the same countries, and the version with mobile data will go on sale 13 November in those countries except for Japan.

Nexus 4 will be offered in the US through T-Mobile and unlocked in Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge