Google’s Nexus 10: The Best Android Tablet Yet?

Over the last few weeks it's hard to count how many times we've heard mention of a Nexus 10 device. We've been hearing of the actual device in question from Samsung for quite some time but, as soon as the Nexus 7 hit the wild, rumors exploded and whilst it certainly seemed like a possibility it didn't seem like something Google would do, especially when taking the XOOM into account. However, Google seem happy to do a lot of things they wouldn't normally do. With the Nexus 4, Google have partnered with LG for the first time, the Nexus 7 was a first for Google and ASUS, not to mention the first 7″ tablet that got more than a blessing from Google. What of this Nexus 10 then, is it just a larger Nexus 7, or is there something bigger than that going on here? if anything, the two Nexus tablets certainly share some design cues, something I'm pleased about – in order to creat a coherent family of devices, there needs to be a common look and feel. On the inside though, the two brothers don't share much at all, with the Nexus 10 taking the lead when it comes to specs. Google's latest tablet comes packing the following: § 10.05-inch "True RGB Real Stripe PLS" at 2560 x 1600 (298.9 ppi compared to the iPad with Retina display at 263.92 ppi) § Dual-Core Cortex A-15 CPU, of Exynos 5000 Series presumably § Mali T604 quad-core GPU § 2GB RAM § 16GB storage with no room for microSD § 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with flash and 1.9MP front-facing camera § WiFi, Dual NFC Chips, one at the front and one at the back, Bluetooth 4.0 § Stero Front-facing Speakers § Android 4.2 Jelly Bean § microUSB as well as microHDMI § 9000 mAh battery for 10 hrs of HD video § 605g Weight That's an impressive spec sheet but, what of the device itself? Well, you could say that the tablet isn't too far removed from the Galaxy Tab line of tablets, it is made by Samsung after all. That's not the case however, thanks to some additions to the hardware, the device is said to feel incredibly solid in the hand. With a soft touch backing to the device, it's easy to hold in the hand and with a generous bezel, holding a 10-inch tablet has never been so easy. As for the main attraction, the Nexus 10 certainly gives the retina display a run for its money, perhaps outright besting the device. The Verge have had the immense pleasure of getting some quality time with the latest tablet and when directly compared to the retina display they said that text was crisp and colors vivid. Viewing angles are something that the Nexus 10 will boast plenty of, perhaps it's not too important on a 7-inch device but something a little larger that's easily share will need some good angles. As for accessories the device is said to be coming with a specialised cover in which the rear of the device comes away to be replaced with this cover. It's something that sounds a lot like the covers for the Note II and the Galaxy S III. This cover also sends the tablet to sleep or wakes it up however, it's said to be no good for a stand and they're might be something else to fit that purpose. On the software side of things, the Nexus 10 does indeed come with Jelly Bean, of the 4.2 variety and whilst we'll have some more info on that for you there a couple of big changes that affect the Nexus 10. For instance, the UI of the tablet layout has been changed to that of the Nexus 7 layout. With the three buttons that first made their appearance in Honeycomb shifted to the middle of the bar. Whether or not this is a good idea or not is something we'll have to reserve judgement on but for now it looks like it is a little less confusing. Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on one of these bad boys and whilst I'm a little unsure of the placement of the action buttons I'm sure Google did this for good reason after all, the man leading the ship on UX is one Matias Duarte, who has definitely given Android a shot in the arm since he came on in 2010.