Google’s Nexus Seven specs, features

Google unveiled a small tablet computer bearing its brand. Called the Nexus Seven, the tablet will have a screen that measures 7 inches diagonally, smaller than the nearly 10 inches on Apple’s popular iPad. That means it’s more likely to challenge Amazon.com’s Kindle Fire, which is also 7 inches. Left: Hugo Barra, director of Google Product Management, holds up the new tablet.

Size — The Nexus Seven will also be light — at about 0.75 pounds, compared with the Kindle Fire’s 0.9 pounds. The iPad weighs 1.44 pounds. The screen will have a 1280×800 HD screen.

Price/shipping — The device will ship in mid-July starting at $199 — the same price as the Kindle Fire. By contrast, iPads start at $499. Customers can start ordering it through Google on Wednesday, initially in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Software — The Nexus Seven will run the next version of Google’s Android operating system, called Jelly Bean. The tablet is also designed specifically for Google Play, the company’s online store for movies, music, games, books, and apps. Google said Wednesday that Google Play will now offer movies for sale, rather than only rentals.

Connection — The device will come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There was no mention of 3G or 4G connections. Google officials said the device will have nine hours of battery time during video playback.

Battery — Google officials said the device will have nine hours of battery time during video playback.

Camera — The Nexus Seven will come with a front-facing camera.