Since its inception in the early days of Android, Google’s Nexus program has always been about creating “reference” hardware by which developers and OEMs alike can see how Android is meant to look and run. As OEM and carrier skins got/get/are getting more and more expansive, Nexus units are often coveted by enthusiasts who want a clean and unadulterated OS. Indeed the devices have been proceeded or followed by OEM-skinned variants: the original HTC Nexus One and HTC Desire, the LG G(1) and Nexus 4, etc.
Now thanks to a new rumor, it seems that HTC will be following-up on its Nexus 9 hardware with its own flagship tablet. Take a look:
Upleaks
Among the various “Hima” listings (believed to be the successor to the HTC One M8) including mysterious “Hima Ace” and “Hima Ultra”, the latter of which could be a new HTC M7 Max-type device, we can see the HTC Butterfly 3, the RE Camera 2, and the Tablet “based on Nexus 9, and maybe running HTC Sense”.
Assuming this leak is genuine, this would be excellent news for HTC fans, as well as those customers smitten with the Nexus 9’s 4:3 aspect ratio. It would mark HTC’s independent return to tablets, a market it briefly toyed with a few years back with the Flyer and Jetstream.
Given that HTC has changed to a company interested in manufacturing premium hardware (both inside and out), the potential of a non-Nexus Nexus 9 device is promising. Imagine the same hardware inside a premium casing with solid buttons, a non-bouncy back, and clad in an all-metal unibody design. Top this off with Lollipop and HTC’s own Sense skin and the end result could be quite impressive indeed!
Would you be interested in a new HTC tablet made with Nexus 9 specs?