Originally rumoured for a June launch date, a Google employee has reportedly claimed that the next Google flagship tablet will get its own launch event in July, coming pre-loaded with Android 4.5 Lollipop.

The Google employee, from Dublin, told The Next Digit that Google will still introduce the brand new operating system at the June I/O developer’s conference.

The Nexus 8, an 8-inch successor to Google’s massively successful Nexus 7, will be a prime competitor to Apple’s iPad Mini with Retina Display. It is likely that Google is working with HTC to manufacture the Nexus 8.

Google has yet to confirm any rumours about its next Nexus tablet.

Android 4.5

The Nexus 8 could be the first Android device to ship with Google’s brand new operating system, Android 4.5 Lollipop. Major updates include a facelift, changes to how apps look, and superior camera software.

Price

Nexus devices are traditionally very reasonably priced, meaning buyers get high-quality hardware for much more of a bargain price than similarly spec’d devices.

Screen size

The 8-inch tablet market hasn’t been flooded quite yet, but for a majority of users, 8 inches offer a superior user experience, especially if combined with a 5-inch smartphone.