The 7-inch tablet market is turning really interesting with each passing day. Amazon certainly caused a few ripples in the tablet pool with its $199 Android-based gadget launched last year.
Google has already taken the wraps off its new tablet - the Asus-made Nexus 7 -- the new shiny 7-inch device with a price tag of $199.99 has created a buzz in the tech industry and is anticipated to saturate the tablet market by throwing an open challenge to the entry-level tablets like Kindle Fires and Nooks.
The alleged iPad Mini rumors are also quite rife these days, which is supposed to symbolize Apple's foray into entry-level tablet market. And now according to a recent report by CNET, Barnes & Noble has a new Nook tablet in the works, and the device is apparently reported to feature a 'revolutionary screen technology'.
Although there are no specific details about the tablet as yet, however, CNET report said, "A credible source has told that Barnes & Noble is set to release a new 7-inch Nook Tablet this fall with a slick new proprietary display technology."
As per the report, tech enthusiasts can expect the new Nook tablet to launch sometime in September or October of this year, further, there are no details on pricing as yet. However, analysts predict that Barnes & Noble will match Amazon's price for the next-generation Kindle Fire, which is expected to start at around $200.
"It's unclear whether the new tablet will be any thinner, but the source indicated that it would be lighter," said the report.
Giving details on the new features, the source revealed that Barnes & Noble will continue to focus on the "reading experience," adding new features related to that mission, but the Nook Store would also be expanded with additional media options, including some not seen before on a tablet. The source has hinted that Nook may come up with a dedicated music and video store to battle against the Nexus 7 (Google Play) and Kindle Fire (Amazon video and music).
The source has also hinted in the report that the new Nook Tablet will continue to run on a heavily skinned version of Android, not Windows 8. However, CNET predicts a possibility Xbox Live option for movies and music. They have assumed the same, depending on the earlier reports by TechCrunch, which said that with Microsoft's recent investment in Barnes & Noble, the next Nook Tablet would add "Xbox Live streaming capabilities."
However, analyst predict that the Nook/Microsoft Tablet that TechCrunch said would materialize at Microsoft's press conference last month turned out to be Microsoft's Surface tablet.
So, what do you think about the new Nook Tablet? Will it Conquer the 7-inch tablet market space?
