The latest HTC Nexus 9 story comes from the Wall Street Journal. Its sources claim that HTC was chosen by Google to build the Nexus 9 tablet despite the manufacturer’s lack of experience in the segment. No new details about the Nexus 9 were revealed in the report, but the sources claim that HTC engineers have been making frequent trips to Google headquarters to work on the project.
Since the HTC Nexus 9 is expected to be unveiled on October 16th, we expect quite a few more stories about the Nexus 9 to surface over the coming weeks. Google’s Nexus devices have never been huge successes, but the partnership that grow out of the collaborative project typically translate in successes in other areas of the market. HTC was the first manufacturer to experience this effect, even before the Nexus line was envisioned. HTC partnered with Google to build the HTC G1 and the HTC Magic – the first two Android-powered phones. The partnership between the two companies eventually led the introduction of the HTC Nexus One. HTC found a way to capitalize on its relationship with Google and quickly became the dominant player in the Android segment. The tables turned once Google selected Samsung to build the second Nexus phone and HTC’s place in the market started to crumble.
There’s no guarantee that HTC’s Nexus tablet will help HTC regain its footing. Despite having some of the top-rated smartphone on the market, HTC’s sales have lagged behind those of Samsung, Sony, LG and Huawei. Rumors suggest HTC is planning to enter new product categories in an effort to increase sales, so it’ll be hard to tell if the Nexus effect can be measured if HTC is able to turn things around in the next 12-18 months.
That’s good, maybe I can get a decent tablet. My old One-S has been fantastic and still is.