Nexus 7 LTE Breaks Cover as Release Approaches

The Nexus 7 LTE, which was promised for the near future by Google back in late July, still hasn’t made its way to shelves. However, the device has seemingly broken cover in China ahead of its eventual release in the United States.

In late July, after months of rumors, Google finally debuted the new Nexus 7, a device that it has simply dubbed Nexus 7. The device, which has been available on the Google Play Store and elsewhere since before its official July 30th release date, is a big upgrade over the original Nexus 7. One of the biggest improvements is the inclusion of 4G LTE data speeds which replace the slower HSPA+ data speeds found on the older model.

This is the Nexus 7 LTE has appeared in the wild.

Problem is, the Nexus 7 LTE isn’t out yet. At the launch event, Google promised the device for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the “coming weeks.” We’ve heard that the Nexus 7 LTE will arrive in Italy, and possibly elsewhere, in September, and it appears that the device has made an appearance before its upcoming release date in markets around the world.

The Nexus 7 LTE has made what appears to be a surprise appearance in China as a user on Baidu, courtesy of Android Police, has posted a number of photos showing off an LTE-capable Nexus 7. The device appears to be authentic and apparently arrived in place of a Wi-Fi only model that was purchased for about $331.

The Nexus 7 LTE release date has been pegged for September in Italy.

The device isn’t capable of utilizing 4G LTE because China Telecom doesn’t support it but it’s pretty clear that if the device were to have a capable network, it could run LTE.

This is a sign that the Nexus 7 LTE is a real device and that it could be arriving on shelves, somewhere, soon. Again, Asus Italy confirmed the device’s arrival in that region for September but other regions have yet to see confirmation.

The Nexus 7 2 is only available in Wi-Fi at the moment.

The United States will more than likely be among the first regions to get the $350 Nexus 7 LTE and when it does, the device will be compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Users only need to use the correct SIM card.

Google’s Nexus 7 LTE only comes in 32GB form with Google, for now, opting not to offer a 16GB model.

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Apple Testing iPad Mini 2 Without Retina Display

Apple is reportedly testing an iPad mini 2 with a new Apple A6 processor and no Retina Display with iOS 7, but it remains unclear if this is a new iPad mini Apple plans to release in 2013.

Apple’s iPad mini is 9 months old and facing increased competition from the new Nexus 7 which delivers improved power and a higher resolution display.  

Multiple reports point to an Apple iPad mini 2 in 2013, but the reports are not clear on the features.

Every other week a new source or analyst claims the iPad mini 2 will feature a Retina Displayor that the iPad mini with Retina Display release won’t come until 2014. Other reports claim Apple is working on a cheap iPad mini or iPad mini 2 for this year. About the only thing the iPad mini 2 rumors agree on is that Apple is working on a followup to the successful iPad mini.

iOS 7 beta code indicates Apple is testing an iPad mini 2 without a Retina Display, but it’s not clear if this is the iPad mini 2 set for a fall release or just a test device with a faster processor

A new report from 9to5Mac highlights clues inside iOS 7 that point to a new iPad mini without a Retina Display, thought it is not clear if such a device is only for internal testing or part of the rumored iPad mini 2 release expected this fall.

According to the report, a developer discovered code in the iOS 7 SDK which deals with all the devices iOS 7 supports. This code includes references to three new iPad mini models, which could be the new iPad mini 2. The models and code names are shown below.

• iPad “2,8,” – J75
• iPad “2,9,” – J76
• iPad “2,10″ – J77

This listing indicates an iPad mini 2 in WiFi and in two different Cellular models. This matches the current iPad mini, and according to 9to5Mac the model numbers line up with current iPad mini models that end at iPad “2,7.”

The iOS 7 beta code shows the details above and a processor linked to the Apple A6 chip currently in the iPhone 5. This would be a step up from the iPad mini which uses an older apple A5 processor and could deliver a better overall experience and better gaming. The report points to a lack of @2x references, which indicates these new iPad mini models don’t include a Retina Display.

The iPad mini with Retina Display reportedly uses the J85 code name internally at Apple.iLounge shared this information at the start of 2013, while talking about the iPad mini 2, possibly with an IGZO display which the publication expected in October.

The iPad mini 2 release is likely set for this fall based on multiple rumors and analyst commentary. Early reports indicate Apple could keep the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 launches separate to avoid the iPad mini 2 overshadowing a new full-size iPad.

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