Google rumored to tap Huawei for its next Android tablet

The tablet market might be on a downswing, especially for smaller slates, but that doesn’t seem to be deterring some major tech names from continuing to invest in the form factor. Amazon has just released a new Kindle Fire HD 8 that integrates its Alexa voice-recognition software, and it appears that Google hasn’t abandoned its 7-inch tablet plans yet.

A recent tweet from noted leaker Evan Blass suggests that the search giant is tapping Chinese manufacturer Huawei to create its new tablet, which he says will be due later this year. Little else is known about the device, though Blass notes that it will come with 4GB of RAM.

Huawei is no stranger to partnering with Google, having created the Google Nexus 6P Android phone last year, which ZDNet’s own Matthew Miller called “the most premium Nexus ever.” However, the Nexus name might not continue with this forthcoming tablet, as the company appears to be dropping the moniker, possibly to be usurped by the Pixel name. Asus was the previous Nexus 7 tablet maker, though it hasn’t created a 7-inch version in some time.

Google is expected to hold an event on October 4, where it could announce the new Pixel devices, including new smartphones. The Huawei-built tablet could be based on some of the parts used in its new MediaPad M3, which features its own Kirin 950 octa-core processor. and a 359 pixel-per-inch display.