Google launches Nexus 9 Android Lollipop tablet ahead of Apple event

HTC returns to the tablet fray

Google has unveiled its latest large-screen tablet, the Nexus 9, less than a day before the expected launch of Apple's highly anticipated next iPad.

Google unveiled the HTC-built Nexus 9 alongside its latest Nexus 6 phablet. The Nexus 9 is set to feature a reworked brushed metal design, similar to that seen on the HTC One range of smartphones, and a satchel-friendly 8.9in IPS, 2048x1536 display.

The Nexus 9 is fairly powerful by tablet standards and will run using an Nvidia Tegra K1 2.3GHz processor and feature 2GB of RAM.

Other key specifications include a reasonably sized 6700mAh battery Google claims will offer users 9.5 hours use of one charge and 8MP rear camera.

The Nexus 9 is known to house a number of enterprise-friendly features thanks to the inclusion of Google's latest Android Lollipop operating system.

Android Lollipop, formerly known as Android L, was unveiled by Google in June at the IO conference and is designed to be the firm's most enterprise-friendly mobile OS to date.

Lollipop features a completely reimagined Material design that works to make the OS simpler to use. It does this by creating a 'flatter' user interface more akin to that seen on iOS than past Android versions.

The OS also features a number of new notification services. Two of the most interesting are a new heads-up form of notification designed to let users know something has urgently come in without interrupting what they are doing, and instant access to notifications from the lock screen.

Adding to the Nexus 9's business appeal, Google has designed a keyboard folio that attaches magnetically to the tablet.

The Nexus 9 is set to go on pre-order on 17 October and arrive in stores from 3 November. There is no word on UK pricing.

Check back with V3 later for more on the Google Nexus 9 and Nexus 6.