Google might launch a 7-inch Pixel tablet this year

Although Google was unable to replicate the success it had with its reasonably-priced Nexus 7 tablet with the 2014 Nexus 9. But it looks like it’s going to give that a go again this year.

Evan Blass, the king of hardware info leaks, said on Twitter that the company is partnering with Huawei to build a new 7-inch tablet that’s set to launch by the end of 2016.

Google's Huawei-built 7-inch tablet, with 4GB RAM, on track for release before the end of the year.

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 5, 2016

If that’s true, it’s safe to assume that the new device will bear Google’s Pixel branding, which was first used on its Chromebooks. The company is rumored to be considering dropping the Nexus brand for its forthcoming handsets that are being built by HTC to showcase Android 7.0 Nougat, the mobile OS’ latest version.

It’s also possible that we’ll hear more about the tablet as early as October 4, when Google is slated to host an event and announce the two aforementioned HTC-designed smartphones, a 4K-capable Chromecast dongle, and a Daydream VR viewer.

That certainly sounds intriguing: A new 7-inch Android device that’s capable of displaying multiple apps on a single screen and receiving timely OS updates is just the sort of thing I’d be happy to carry around for working on the go or leaving on my nightstand to read articles and watch videos.

We’ve contacted Google to learn more and will update this post if there’s a response.