Get All Access for $5/mo

Google's Nexus 7: The Latest Entry in the Tablet Wars Device will include new 'Jelly Bean' operating system, with improved voice-enabled typing as well as a Siri-like search feature.

By Jason Fell

Android Fans Get Google-Powered Tablet with Nexus 7Business users who swear by Google's Android mobile devices have several new products to look forward to. At its I/O developer's conference today in San Francisco, the search giant announced a new tablet computer called the Nexus 7, as well as several new features for the new Android 4.1 operating system called "Jelly Bean."

Google's play on the tablet market comes on the heels of Microsoft's launch of Surface last week, and Apple's new iPad several weeks before that. The Nexus 7 was built by computer maker Asus and features a 7-inch 1280×800 high-definition display, which is smaller and offers less resolution than the new iPad's Retina screen. It comes in 8GB and 16GB models, priced at $199 and $249 respectively -- an attractive selling point for anyone who's in the market for a new tablet.

The Nexus 7 also will run on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is the latest iteration of Google's popular OS. It will also become available across many Android-powered smartphones.

Related: For Windows Users, Microsoft's 'Surface' Might Be Your Next Tablet

Jelly Bean includes a cache of interesting features for businesses and consumers, including a voice recognition tool -- much like Apple's Siri -- that answers questions and performs searches. For entrepreneurs on the go, Google says the new voice-activated typing function will work even without internet connection.

The new Android OS will also include a service called Google Now, which mines your search and location history and your calendar to help guide you. "Google Now figures out when you commute from home to work and back, and tells you how long your commute takes usually, and gives you a faster route if there's lot of traffic," Hugo Barra, Google's director of product management, said during the event. "On public transit, if you're on the platform at a subway, Google tells you when the next bus or train will arrive."

Related: With a Dazzling Display, the New iPad Will Be Attractive for Many Business Owners

The Nexus 7 tablet is expected to start shipping in the next two weeks. On smartphones, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will begin rolling out on the Galaxy Nexus, Motorola Xoom and Galaxy S starting in mid-July, Google says.

Which Jelly Bean features seem most useful to your business? Let us know in the comments section below.

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Growing a Business

How to Build an Unshakeable Brand Voice and Win Over Loyal Customers

Want to build an online brand that reaches more people and puts your business on the map? It starts on the web.

Business News

This Coffee Shop Owner Gained 10,000 TikTok Followers With One Post. Here's How He Did It.

Here's how a "dance for a free coffee" promotion blew the lid off this cafe's popularity.

Business Solutions

Get Down to Business with Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for 70% Off

Unlock essential Office tools with a one-time purchase — ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to streamline their workflow.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.