Google Nexus 9, although it may pack a smaller screen panel, could be a tablet that will battle Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and the rumored iPad Pro.

Latest reports claim that Google Nexus 9 will come with various case accessories including a keyboard folio. Android Police unearthed more information about the cover of the coming Nexus 9 tablet. The report said that the tech giant will fuse the features and capabilities of iPad's Smart Cover and Surface Pro's Type Cover keyboard.

Similar to iPad's Smart Cover, Nexus 9 will have a segmented screen cover that can be transformed into a stand and make the device an alarm clock. In addition, the second half of the cover will be an actual keyboard, which is as thin as the keyboard accessory of Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Due to the smaller width, the keys are more cramped compared to a standard keyboard. However, it offers access to QWERTY keys as well as to Android function keys.

According to rumors, the Nexus 9 tablet will be manufactured by Taiwanese mobile manufacturer HTC and dubbed as "Volantis." The tablet will allegedly pack an 8.9-inch screen with 2048 x 1440 pixel resolution and 221dpi, 2GB RAM, and HTC's famous front-facing speakers.

Rumors added that the tablet will house NVIDIA's Tegra K1 processor. Surprisingly, the device has "NEXUS" inscribed on the back just like the previous models. The report continued that the tablet will cost $399 for the 16GB version, and $499 for the 32GB version while the LTE version will have a price tag of $600. There were speculations that the alleged HTC-made Nexus 9 will replace Google's previous tablets – Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.

The Nexus 9 release date is reported to happen in the fall alongside the Nexus 6 smartphone. However, Google is tight-lipped about the details of its plans and devices as well as the release date of its future devices.