Google Nexus 7 release date, specs rumors: New Nexus tablet, Pixel 7, to be unveiled shortly after Pixel and Pixel XL

Google is having a huge press event today, Oct. 4, which is expected to highlight its latest Nexus smartphone units for this year. It has long been rumored that Google will release two Nexus handsets in 2016, a base model and a high-tier variant. Meanwhile, there are also rumors regarding Google's new tablet device. Shortly after the big 2016 Google Nexus smartphone reveal, it is possible that the new Nexus tablet, dubbed as the Pixel 7, will be unveiled afterward.

The Google Nexus smartphones for 2016, initially thought to be branded as "Sailfish" and "Marlin," are now expected to go by the name "Pixel" and "Pixel XL," the latter being the high-end model. Google has already indicated in their teasers for the Oct. 4 event that they will be revealing the new look of the Nexus smartphone. This may also be the time for Google to say goodbye to the Nexus label as they will start to use the term "Pixel" for their devices. Likewise, the yet-to-be-announced Google Nexus tablet is expected to be labeled as a Pixel device as well. The Nexus 7, or the Pixel 7 tablet, is rumored to be released shortly after today's Google event, PC Advisor UK reported.

According to the latest report regarding the specifications of the Pixel 7, Huawei designed the latest Google tablet to rival the top devices in the market today, namely the iPad and Galaxy Note. It is rumored to run with a high-end Qualcomm chipset, the Snapdragon 820, accompanied by 4GB of RAM. Its appearance will look more classic with Quad HD display feature of its 7-inch screen.

BGR reported that the next Google tablet will be the first the sport the hybrid Andromeda operating system (OS), having both of the features and applications of an Android OS and Chrome OS.

There is no official announcement yet from Google regarding the arrival of the Nexus or Pixel tablet so it would be wise to take these initial reports with a grain of salt. Still, if the recent rumors are to be believed, people should no longer be surprised if right after the unveiling of the Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 7 tablet will follow.