Google Nexus 7 2016 release date, specs rumors: Nexus 7 could run on Andromeda, not coming out this year

Since the Google Nexus 7 2016 was announced back in May at the Google I/O event, not much has been revealed about the upcoming device. Nonetheless, the internet is rife with rumors about the upcoming tablet.

Reports indicate that it will run on Google's Andromeda operating system. If this is true, it will be the first tablet to feature the said OS. In September, Forbes reported that Google is working on loading the Android-Chrome hybrid into its tablet as well as on its new Pixel laptop.

Before this rumor, Google had been utilizing Chrome on its laptops and Android for its tablets and phones. If the use of the Andromeda OS pushes through, this may signify the start of all Google devices shifting to just one platform.

Another rumor floating around is that the new Nexus 7 will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and Adreno 530 chipset under its hood, which will make it even more powerful than devices from more popular brands in the market such as the Samsung Tab S3.

The Nexus 7 2016 could also sport a 7-inch Quad HD AMOLED display and have a 13-megapixel camera. It is expected to have 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB internal storage while also having support for Micro SD-XC, which will expand its memory up to 1 TB.

There is talk that the release of the next Nexus 7 was delayed because of the change of manufacturer from Huawei to HTC. Huawei was supposed to produce the tablet for Google since the two already have a good working relationship with the production of the Pixel and Pixel Xl smartphones and the Nexus 6P tablet.

However, the two companies reportedly got into a dispute over Huawei's demand to feature its logo on the tablet. After Google refused, the Chinese company declined to continue the partnership. Google then turned to HTC, which accepted the offer to manufacture the Nexus 7 2016.

Because of the production delay, the rumored December 2016 will likely not push through.