Google to Unveil Second-Generation Nexus 7 Today

In just a few short hours, Google GOOG is expected to unveil the second-generation Nexus 7. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company will sell the tablet directly to consumers through Google Play, just as it did with the previous iteration. Best Buy BBY and other retailers are expected to carry the device as well, though they may not begin to sell it as quickly as Google's own online store. Related: Nexus 7 Could Sell 8 Million Units and Top the Kindle Fire 3 In an earlier report, The Verge estimated that Nexus 7 will ship with support for Bluetooth SMART, a newer Bluetooth format that consumes less energy. While the device is still forthcoming, DigiTimes reported that touch panel makers are seeing steady orders for the next-generation Nexus 7. In April, rumors about the Nexus 7's price began to circulate. One report claimed that the new seven-inch device could sell for as little as $149. This was no doubt in response to the low-cost tablets released by Hewlett-Packard HPQ and other firms. Two months later the rumor shifted to a much higher price. Instead of retailing for less than $200, Google was believed to be considering a $229 price tag in order to help the device stand out from the crowd. By charging $30 more than the original Nexus 7, Google could increase its revenue while maintaining a much lower price that Apple's AAPL iPad Mini, which starts at $329. Another rumor stated that Qualcomm QCOM, which is expected to provide chips for Microsoft's MSFT second-generation Surface, will acquire the contract for future Nexus 7 orders. If true, Qualcomm would replace NVIDIA NVDA, which manufactured chips for the first Nexus 7. Early this morning The Verge published a collection of second-generation Nexus 7 images that reportedly came from Best Buy:

Image Credit: The Verge

Investors can tune in to YouTube to watch Google unveil the new Nexus 7 (and other possible products, as well as Android 4.3) starting at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 12:00 p.m. EDT. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ