Google tablet computer unveiled at conference

SAN FRANCISCO (KABC) -- Google Inc. introduced its Nexus 7, a small tablet computer, on Wednesday during a conference in San Francisco.

The 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet will run the next version of Google's Android operating system, called Jelly Bean. The device can be ordered starting next Wednesday and it will ship in mid-July.

A Nexus 7 with 8 GB costs $199, while a 16 GB goes for $249. Although the tablet carries the Google brand, it will be made by AsusTek Computer Inc.

The Nexus 7 will also be light at about 0.75 pound. The Kindle Fire weighs 0.9 pound, while the iPad weighs 1.44 pounds. The Nexus 7 is also designed for Google Play, which is online store that sells movies, music and apps.

Google also unveiled the Nexus Q, which is a home entertainment system that they're calling the first social streaming media player. It takes content from your personal collection on a phone or YouTube and streams it to a TV and speaker system. Nexus Q costs $299. The service can be ordered now and will be also be available mid-July.

A Google expansion into the tablet market would bring another imposing entrant into what is already a battle of tech heavyweights. Last week, Microsoft Corp. announced its own tablet, Surface. The Google tablet is expected to be seen as more of a threat to Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle Fire than Apple Inc.'s iPad.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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