Google has sent out invites for an event in New York on Oct. 29, as rumors last week suggested. If other recent rumors hold true, Google may unveil new Nexus hardware, possibly both a tablet and a phone.
There are conflicting reports on the new Nexus phone, which was first rumored to feature a large 4.7-inch screen. But leaked images referred to a "Nexus 4" device, which would have a 4-inch screen if it follows the same naming convention as the Nexus 7 tablet. Either way, word is that it is made by LG, and may share some DNA with LG's jumbo-sized Optimus G.
As for the tablet, there are rumors both of a price drop for the Nexus 7 and a new, high-end model, possibly the Nexus 10. The Nexus 7, now $199 for the 32GB version, may be dropping to $99, though Google would certainly lose money on every sale if that were to happen.
The new larger device is said to feature a screen that is even more high-resolution than the third-generatio iPad: 2,560-by-1,600 pixels, compared with the iPad's 2,048-by-1,536. Such a sharp screen would be a powerful selling point against the iPad, just as the iPad's sharp screen has been a selling point for Apple.
There have also been rumblings of a new version of Android, 4.2, which would feature security improvements among other new features.
Apple is planning an event a week earlier, on the 23rd (we'll be there and reporting live). It is widely expected to be the launch of a smaller "iPad Mini," and possibly a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro.
And on top of that, it's the same week Microsoft is launching Windows 8 and its Surface RT tablet — and a dozen or two other tablets and laptops are being announced as well.
All in all, it's going to be a big week for PCs and tablets. If you're in the market, it would be wise to wait until the end of the month before making any purchases.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.
