The Nexus 9 tablet is set to release on November 3rd this year with pre-orders already underway from Amazon, Best Buy, the Google Play Store, and manufacturer HTC.
Google's flagship tablet will be the first tablet to release with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update out of the box, right along side its smartphone sibling, the Nexus 6. Pre-orders began on Friday, October 17 with release slated for November 3rd.
The 8.9-inch tablet is Google's answer to rival Apple's new iPad Air 2, which started pre-orders the same day as the Nexus. But with smartphones getting increasingly larger, is there room for the Nexus 9 in a slowing tablet market? More importantly, can the Nexus 9 save slumping sales?
Google is focusing its Nexus 9 bragging rights on the tablet's 2048x1536 display with 4:3 aspect ratio, and the 64-bit processor, which is the first of its kind for a Nexus product. The Nexus has already received positive reviews for its front-loaded BoomSound speakers that promise to deliver more quality sound than we're used to in tablets.
A magnetically attachable folding keyboard is another key selling point as Google hopes to broaden its competition to the Microsoft Surface or even the traditional laptop. Considering the souped-up lithium ion battery claims a nine-hour lifespan while browsing over wi-fi, we can see how Apple might be a bit concerned over Google's improvements.
As for price, the 16GB wi-fi model is available for $399 and $479 for the 32GB model. The cellular LTE model will be available with the 32GB version at a later date for $599, but so far only T-Mobile has stepped forward with a delivery date of November 12, according to a recent tweet.
Colors are currently limited to Lunar White and Indigo Black, but you'll need to wait a bit longer for the "sand color" options.
When the tablet hits retail stores, it will also be available at Gamestop, Office Depot, Office Max, QVC/HSN, Radio Shack, Staples, and Walmart. It will be sold in over 29 countries in the coming weeks.
Best Buy is offering a T-Mobile version of the 32GB LTE edition for $599. Interestingly enough, it lists a ship date of November 16, 2014, despite T-Mobile's confirmation of the 12th.
Be sure to check out Google's updated product page for the Nexus 9 for more information on the device.
