Nexus 7 2016 release date rumor: New Nexus tablet coming in mid-2016 as launching device for Android N?

The Nexus 7, Google's 7-inch tablet screen powered by Android. Rumor has it that it will be rebooted this year with at least two iterations.[Photo credit: Facebook]

Speculations suggest that Google is planning to release a new Android platform in either May or June. To celebrate the launch of the much-awaited Android N, the tech giant is also said to introduce a new Nexus lineup, including a reboot of the Nexus 7 tablet.

According to Know Your Mobile, a new Nexus tablet has been rumored to come out this year. While Google has yet to officially confirm the speculations, hints may already have been glimpsed with the release of the Android N Developer Preview to some Android fans. Some of the features of the developer preview, which may be retained in the full version of the Android N, are a streamlined user interface and free-form windows mode for smoother switch in display dimensions for apps and programs, similar to Window 10's Continuum feature.

This makes it plausible that Google plans for Android N to interconnect smartphones and tablets, much like how Microsoft's new Windows 10 is a platform for Windows-run tablets and smartphones.

Meanwhile, Yibada added that other hints point to a level of certainty that a new Nexus 7 tablet is appearing this year. According to the industry follower, it has been some time since Google released a tablet iteration in the Nexus lineup. The most recent one, the Nexus 9, was released in 2014. The last Nexus 7 rolled out in 2013.

Rumors have also started circulating on who Google is thinking of partnering with for the new Nexus 7 tablet. One of the top tech manufacturers mentioned is Huawei. According to speculations, Google is very much satisfied with how the China-based company outed the Nexus 6P flagship and wants Huawei to do the same with a refreshed Nexus 7 tablet.

There are also rumors that Google is partnering with HTC to come out with the new Nexus 2016 lineup, including a Nexus 7 tablet. Other than the slate, it is said that HTC will come out with at least two new Nexus phones for release this year.