The New Nexus - a new Google challenge?

With the Google Nexus 7 hitting the marketplace, consumers and techies everywhere are starting to make a comparison between the Nexus and the iPad. In reality, the two devices are not very similar in their intent or design. The only real similarity between the two products is that they are both “hero” devices for their makers. The iPad and the iPhone are Apple’s trademark products while the Nexus enables Google to differentiate itself from the market.

Home ScreenOn the Google Nexus 7, the home screen is designed with larger widgets and an app drawer. If users want to purchase a new app, video, television show, book or music, they just have to click on the Google Play widget. The Nexus is also designed with the vanilla version of Icecream and Android 4.1.

One glance at the Apple iPad leaves the consumer with an entirely different first impression. Not only does it have an obviously larger display, but the layout of the home screen is completely different. Apple created the iPad to feature a variety of different icons and does not offer an app drawer. Part of this difference can be attributed to the intent behind the home screen. With the Nexus, Google has created a device that pushes their products through the Google Play widget and cloud storage. The iPad is made to be a functional device that is integrated with the user’s life.

Processors and PricingApple designed the iPad to run on an Apple dual-core processor. In comparison, Google formatted the Nexus 7 with an Integra 3 quad-core processor. Since both devices are remarkably speedy, the amount of cores is not really an issue. What might be an issue for consumers is the price. While the Google Nexus 7 is affordably priced at $200, Apple’s cheapest version of the iPad 7 is priced at $499. For consumers who are low in cash, the price factor could play a huge role in choosing a tablet—or tablet-like—device.

Appearance ComparisonsWhen it comes to looks, both devices are admirably sleek and well-designed. The iPad has multiple coloring options for the front of the device and is designed with the trademark silver on back. Google created the Nexus 7 with two basic color schemes. One buyers can select is a black front accompanied by a white back. The other color scheme is entirely black. Both products offer trim, innovative designs, but the Apple iPad has more color options and the traditional sleek silver back.

If users want to buy the Google Nexus 7, they may have to wait a couple of days. The Nexus was just released on June 28, 2012. In comparison, the Apple iPad has been out for a few weeks.
OverviewApple does not need to be too worried about the competition. Although Google offers consumers a great product and a reputable company, the Nexus is not the tablet the iPad is. The Nexus is more comparable to the Kindle Fire than it is to the iPad. Apple may lose some of their market to Google, but will ultimately win the war for market domination. For cloud storage options and access to movies on-the-go, the Google Nexus 7 performs well.

Byline: George Harrison is a technology blogger and writes on behalf of a company that helps you find assurance voyage.