Mobile rumours: New 7-inch Nexus, HTC ditches the smartwatch business

The world of mobile news is scary and complicated, with rumours flying about all over the place about what the many different companies are planning on doing. If you don’t know what you’re looking for then chances are you won’t get very far, so to ease your burden here are some of today’s biggest mobile rumours.

1. A new 7-inch Google tablet has been spotted passing through the US FCC

There are a lot of rumours emerging about the future of Google’s Nexus franchise, especially with relation to any upcoming tablets. Well now it seems that there is a rumour that Google will be releasing an updated version of the Nexus 7 sometime before the end of the year. The device was spotted passing through the US Federal Communications Commission, with the model number NX74751. It’s not just the NX prefix that’s got people suspecting the device is a Nexus 7, apparently leaked FCC documents also claim that a third-generation Nexus 7 will be going on sale later this year.

Specs haven’t been leaked just yet so we’ve no idea how much of an improvement this device will be over the current Nexus 7, if it even exists. Considering Halloween has been cited as Google’s launch window we don’t have very long to wait and see what’s going on.

2. HTC could be ditching the smartwatch business

In news that is bound to upset anyone looking forward to the One Gear smartwatch, inside sources claim that HTC is ditching the smartwatch business. No specific reasons were given by the sources, but it’s speculated that the rising cost of production and the lack of “wow factor” were significant factors in the decision.

It’s hardly a surprising move, especially since the level of competition in the smartwatch market is has been on the rise. Plus if rumours that Apple is announcing the iWatch tomorrow night are true, then it’s only to get worse. Well at least HTC is still making some excellent phones. [Digital Spy via Gizmodo UK]

Want to read more? Here’s our coverage of the recent Apple announcements, including everything you need to know about the iPhone 6, everything you need to know about Apple’s ‘phablet’, the iPhone 6 Plus, and everything you need to know about the Apple Watch.

If you’re looking to see how the Apple Watch compares to its rivals, like the Pebble, check out our smartwatches buying guide, or if you’re sick of Apple completely, here’s our rundown of our 14 favourite dating apps, from Tinder to eHarmony.