Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to launch Nexus 9 sooner than you think

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s flagship phone, Nexus, is expanding its series with a new phablet called Nexus 9 expected to be launched on Wednesday. The device has been named as HTC Volantis and it will be the first to run Android L. There won’t be a large media event, because the Android version is still under development.

The Nexus 9 phablet will be available for pre-order from October 17 and is available to be purchased from November 3. The phone was anticipated for quite some time now. The general thought was that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) wouldn’t be releasing a Nexus this year, so the announcement is rather abrupt and shocking. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) fans are quite pleased though, and the phablet is expected to toughen up the competition against iPhone 6 plus and Galaxy Note 4.

Currently, there is no final word about the release of Android L for other Android devices, as it is still under development. The 16 GB device will be priced at $399 while the 32 GB will cost $499. The devices will have the expandable memory feature.

The phablet will have an 8.9 inch screen and will weigh over 480 grams with a 64 bit dual core processor. The rear camera will have 8 megapixels which is a bit low. Perhaps the compensation lies in the frontal camera which is 3MP. To contain costs, the device has aluminium casing instead of all metal build.

Nexus 9 will feature some specifications that are similar to the ones used in HTC devices, such as HTC boomsound and the dual front facing speakers, both of which featured on the One M8 and Desire EYE. A magnetic case will also be released, which will the the ability to be bent in different dimensions enabling the user to prop the phablet up.

Nexus 9 is a fresh competition for Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 6 and Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930)’s Galaxy Note 4. The full specification info can only be released once the phone is launched. However, it is speculated that due to its reasonable price and latest added features, it will be a dominant forerunner in the market. The reasons are quite simply because, it’s coming from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Nexus devices have never disappointed in the past. Apart from this precedent, the primary features seem promising and latent, while the large screen is a big positive.

Nexus 9 will also compete with the Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPads expected to be released this Thursday. They will come with larger screens and the usual Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) hoopla, but Nexus 9 will have an edge due to the prize factor. However, it will be an interesting standoff between all these large and mighty phablets. One thing is for sure, the future belongs to big phablets, and the tiny smartphone reign might just be over.

It is quite evident that the smartphone market will be ruled by one of these three contenders, and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) might take the lead while Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) will follow closely.