Google Nexus 7 launches in Australia

Google's second-generation Nexus 7 tablet has launched in Australia, with two models available in local stores.

The second-generation Nexus 7 is available in Australian stores from Thursday morning, hitting JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Dick Smith and other retailers in a 16GB version for AU$299 and a 32GB version for AU$339, Google has announced.

Apart from the storage difference, both models are the same, sporting an HD 1920x1200 7-inch display, up from the 2012 Nexus 7's 1280x800 resolution.

It's also smaller and lighter than its predecessor, coming in at 200x114x8.65 millimetres and 290 grams, compared to the Nexus 7's 198.5 x 120 x 10.56 millimetres and 340 grams.

It runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean — the first tablet to ship with the latest version of the OS — on a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM and a 400MHz Adreno 320 GPU.

"Tablets are perfect for sharing with others, so we're introducing restricted profiles, which let you limit access to apps and content," Google said. "For example, restricted profiles enable parental controls, so certain family members are prevented from accessing mature content. Likewise, retail stores can use tablets to show off product information, and shops can use tablets as point-of-sale systems, all while limiting access to apps."

Also on-board are two cameras — a 5MP rear-facing auto focus and a 1.2MP front-facing fixed focus — surround sound by Fraunhofer, a GPS, a gyroscope, an accelerometer and a compass. Ports are micro USB, 3.5mm audio and SlimPort. The battery can last up to nine hours on a single charge.

Each tablet will ship with Google's suite of apps, including Chrome, Google Play, Play Games, Google Now, Maps, YouTube, Gmail and Hangouts.

We'll have a hands-on session over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for our full review.