Asus reportedly refutes claims of $99 Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7
Cheap and sleek? We'll take'em both

Those whose hopes were raised with the promise of a super-cheap Google Nexus 7 may want to come back down to Earth.

Digitimes reported Thursday that Asus and Google were working on a $99 (around UK£60, AU$95) 7-inch slate, plus a $199 (around UK£120, AU$191) model upgrade.

The site cited industry sources, however it looks like someone who may actually know a thing or two about Asus' product plans has debunked those rumors.

According to Digitimes, Asus has denied the tab-tastic plans for a dirt-cheap Nexus.

Still true, maybe?

The $99 version was said to be an "entry-level model" while the $199 iteration apparently would've been an ultra-thin upgrade to the current model.

Though it now sounds like neither of them are truly happening, TechRadar has reached out to Asus to get to the bottom of this 7-inch mystery.

Asus' North American division said this was the first they'd heard of "the issue."

If Asus is just playing coy and the devices do come - presumably in time for the holidays - then they'll give Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble a run for the tablet money.

Amazon recently announced the Kindle Fire HD, which costs between $199 and $499 (UK£159 for the 7-inch model, AU$191 - AU$491) while Barnes & Noble's Nook HD 7-inch tab runs $199 - $229 (UK£159 - £189, AU$191 - AU$220).

There's clearly a space in the market for a cheap tablet from Asus and Google, so here's hoping they're at least inspired by these rumors to cook something up.

Via Digitimes

Michelle Fitzsimmons

Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook.  A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.