Support NeoGAF

[Aiii]

The Nexus 9 runs on the latest version of Android, 5.0 Lollipop. The OS has been greatly altered from the previous version to follow Google's new design philosophy called Material Design.

Key features are:
A refreshed notification system. Individual notifications are now displayed on cards to adhere to the material design language, and batches of notifications can be grouped by the app that produced them. Notifications are now displayed on the lock screen as cards, and "heads up" notifications can also be displayed as large banners across the top of the screen, along with their respective action buttons. A do-not-disturb feature is also added for notifications. The recent apps menu was redesigned to use a three-dimensional stack of cards to represent open apps. Individual apps can also display multiple cards in the recent menu, rather than only one entry per app; for example, a web browser can show all of its open tabs as individual cards.

Lollipop also contains major new platform features for developers, with over 5,000 new APIs added for use by applications. Additionally, the Dalvik virtual machine was officially replaced by Android Runtime (ART), which is a new runtime environment that was introduced as a technology preview in KitKat. ART is a cross-platform runtime which supports the x86, ARM, and MIPS architectures in both 32-bit and 64-bit environments. Unlike Dalvik, which uses just-in-time compilation (JIT), ART compiles apps upon installation, which are then run exclusively from the compiled version from then on. This technique removes the processing overhead associated with the JIT process, improving system performance.

Lollipop also aims to improve battery consumption through a series of optimizations known as "Project Volta". Among its changes are a new battery saver mode, job scheduling APIs which can restrict certain tasks to only occur over Wi-Fi, and batching of tasks to reduce the overall amount of time that internal radios are active. The new developer tool called "Battery Historian" can be used for tracking battery consumption by apps while in use. The Android Extension Pack APIs also provide graphics functions such as new shaders, aiming to provide PC-level graphics for 3D games on Android devices.

A number of system-level, enterprise-oriented features were also introduced under the banner "Android for Work": Samsung contributed its Knox security framework for segregating personal and work-oriented data from each other on a device, along with accompanying APIs for managing the environment. Devices can also be configured so that users do not have to unlock their device with a PIN or pattern if it is within a trusted, physical location, or is in proximity to a user's Android Wear device. Device encryption will be enabled by default.

Reviews

Final Score: 9.3/10
Modesty, that’s what makes the Google Nexus 9 an unsuspecting threat in the tablet space. The specs and design aren’t insanely out there, to drastically separate it from the existing crop of competition, but rather, it’s what it delivers with its overall package that gives it such an inviting presence – one that undoubtedly embodies all the qualities we want in that near-perfect tablet.

We’ve explored its humbling design, dived deep into the new Android 5.0 Lollipop experience, and even put it through one intensive battery testing, to come to the conclusion that it’s arguably one of the most delightful tablets to launch this year. Best of all, its starting price of $399 undercuts many of its rivals in the process, since the pricing alone goes a long way in giving it some serious value. For the money and all, the Nexus 9 doesn’t disappoint with its specs sheet, performance, and software experience.

HTC has been out of the tablet game for a considerable amount of time, failing to earn its presence in the space, but with the arrival of the Google Nexus 9, they’ve undeniably brought together something that follows in tradition to the Nexus line. Conversely, it’s Google that takes a lot of credit, seeing that Android 5.0 Lollipop shows why it’s the most advanced tablet platform around!
Everything about the Android experience has been refined and enhanced with not only some features that are “in-your-face,” but they’ve meticulously ensured to us that it has far more depth than its rivals. From being a fun tablet for playing games, to a productivity focused one that’s handy for pulling out work while on the road, the Google Nexus 9 has a presence that resonates deeply in the space. And we can’t neglect to mention that it’s super affordable in the process! What more can we ask, seriously?

Pros
The pricing is absolutely competitive at $399
Material Design gives the interface an inviting presence
Android 5.0 Lollipop dishes us several cool features
Battery is far more lasting than its contemporaries
Precise color reproduction with its display

Cons
Hollowness with its construction
Low lighting performance is weak with its camera

-Phonearena.com

Final Score: 8.5/10
I didn't expect to feel so torn about the Nexus 9. On the one hand, Android 5.0 Lollipop is refreshing, what with its snappiness and welcoming redesign. On the other, I can't help but feel a little frustrated that Google and HTC compromised on the Nexus 9's screen, speakers and design. I get the rationale. The software's the real highlight here, so they didn't feel the need to go bonkers with the hardware niceties (and the costs that come with them). What that all boils down to is a tablet that's stunning in some ways and seemingly average in others. Long story short: If you want to live on Android's bleeding edge, buy a Nexus 9. Buy it because of Lollipop. Those few shortcomings won't overshadow all the good that Google and HTC have done here. But if that's not you -- if you don't demand the latest software that springs forth from Mountain View's depths as soon as it's ready -- there are plenty of attractive options that might fit your life a little better.

Pros
Android 5.0 Lollipop runs like a dream
Material Design face-lift is warm, welcoming
K1 chipset is plenty powerful, despite benchmark oddities

Cons
Screen is solid, not jaw-dropping
BoomSound speakers not as good as M8's
No expandable memory

-Engadget

Final Score: 7.8/10
Unfortunately, the Nexus 9 just isn’t as good as it needs to be. It’s priced as high or higher than Apple’s tablets, but doesn’t offer anything in terms of hardware or performance to sway someone from just purchasing an iPad instead. The Nexus 9 would make a killer $249 or $299 tablet, but at $399, even last year’s iPad Air is a better buy for the vast majority of people. And if you want something smaller than the iPad Air, last year’s iPad mini 2 undercuts the Nexus 9 by a full $100, while offering a better experience all around. It’s hard to recommend the Nexus 9 to anyone outside of diehard Android fans.

Beating the iPad is hard. Many have tried, many have failed. The Nexus 9 is Google’s closest shot yet, but it still misses the mark. See you next year, Google.

Good Stuff
High-resolution, 4:3 display
Good battery life
Great speakers

Bad Stuff
Build quality issues
Sluggish performance
Lack of tablet-optimized apps

-The Verge

OP will be updated with new reviews as they appear.

 

[JordanKZ]

COME TO ME, MY SWEET.

 

[ZeroX03]

Google Nexus 9 |OT| Looks like an iPad, must be an iPad!

I thought that was the Surface's motto?

 

[Tertullian]

Not to stray too close to off topic this early in the thread, but do we think Google is ever going to refresh the Nexus 7 again? Or is 8.9" the new 7"?

 

[Aiii]

Not to stray too close to off topic this early in the thread, but do we think Google is ever going to refresh the Nexus 7 again? Or is 8.9" the new 7"?

Hard to say really, the Nexus 7 can no longer be ordered on the Google Play store, so it does seem the 7 is being retired right now. And as far as I know there are no rumors of a new 7 being in the works.

 

[Phoenix]

I thought that was the Surface's motto?

The branding wars are over in that segment. All "tablets" get called iPads the same way all copiers were called Xerox machines.

 

[suedester]

Considering selling my shield tablet for this beauty.

 

[cartoon_soldier]

wtb: good Hands on videos!

I am in for a 32GB LTE model in India

 

[Phoenix]

Hard to say really, the Nexus 7 can no longer be ordered on the Google Play store, so it does seem the 7 is being retired right now. And as far as I know there are no rumors of a new 7 being in the works.

Well... there aren't any rumors of a new Nexus 5 either, but unless they are ceding development of that form factor to Moto for that Lenovo partnership - I would expect that they'll do another one next year. Google has arrived at an inflection point... do we create high end luxury devices under the Nexus brand and compete DIRECTLY with our ecosystem or do we phase it out and just drive Android.

They seemed to have had some internal battle about this with lots of the rumors discussing the death of the Nexus line and the breakout of micro brands such as Android One and the line Android Silver. There seem to still be some "throw all the ideas at the wall and see what sticks" types of strategies in play as well. Will be curious to see how it pans out.

That said, I think we're more likely to NOT see another Nexus 7 than we are to not see a Nexus 5.

 

[Aiii]

Nexus 5 is still being sold in the Play Store though, with the size of the 6 being a niche market, I expect a refresh there somewhere in the second half of next year. So yeah, I consider a new 5 much more likely than a new 7, though both a possible.

wtb: good Hands on videos!

I am in for a 32GB LTE model in India

Both The Verge and TechCrunch linked in the OP have hands-on videos.

And here's a good one from Vietnam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo1XD32zT1I

 

[BertramCooper]

Schmexy as hell, but I'm pretty much done with tablets.

Ordered a Chromebook instead.

 

[Fatalah]

As phone screens have increased in size, tablet usage has declined (no surprise). Nice to have a tablet out on the coffee table though, for leisure couch reading, and for the guests. Yes, yes - the guests!

 

[Phoenix]

As phone screens have increased in size, tablet usage has declined (no surprise). Nice to have a tablet out on the coffee table though, for leisure couch reading, and for the guests. Yes, yes - the guests!

Statistically its also correlated to the ability to easily cast content to large screens as well. Tablets are still finding a home in the early education spaces and in contracting/sales, but for consumers the value prop is fading away. You've got an increasing number of ways to consume content with SmartTVs, TV casting devices, consoles, etc. so the mid market between the "bigger" phone (5"-6") and the TV is losing relevance.

Even in the early market devices for VR there is a huge battle between the BYOD experiences that allow you to use your phone screen and some straps for VR and the "complete" experience devices like Oculus. This has actually been a big discussion within the Rift community about which way makes the most sense for the consumer.

 

[Betta Lines]

This is quite a compelling device - my preferred aspect ratio like an iPad, probably fairly comparable performance to an Air 2, but with more flexibility from Android and the guest and pin app features shown in the TechCrunch video is what I've always wanted from an iPad.

Build seems nice, back looks more durable than an iPad as well.

But there isn't massive price difference these days (compared to back when the iPad Mini was being compared to a Nexus 7 for instance), and iOS still has the upper hand in terms of tablet-optimised apps. So really, the main reason I'd pick this over an Air 2 is the guest/pin app feature, which is something Apple could integrate into iOS in the near future.

If the performance/battery life is comparable to an Air 2, and the screen is as good... I'd start leaning towards the Nexus 9.

 

[Enduin]

Hmm Amazon are being shitty and saying my order is delayed, even though I pre-ordered like 2 minutes after they put it up on the 16th. wonder if I should cancel and just try my luck with a brick and mortar. Though it releasing on a Monday means I won't have much time after work, unless I'm lucky and can find a store on Sunday to sell early.

 

[Aiii]

Hmm Amazon are being shitty and saying my order is delayed, even though I pre-ordered like 2 minutes after they put it up on the 16th. wonder if I should cancel and just try my luck with a brick and mortar. Though it releasing on a Monday means I won't have much time after work, unless I'm lucky and can find a store on Sunday to sell early.

Might want to check Google's own Play Store, they give you shipping information before you order. For instance on the Dutch one it says the 16GB black model will be shipped on november 3rd. The white models and black 32GB model say it will ship "before november 5th".

I had a 16GB version pre-ordered because initially the other version had 2-3 weeks listed as delivery time. They changed it sometime today so I switched to 32GB (since I've been on the fence for a while. I store most of my stuff on my network or in the cloud nowadays, but 16GB is still a bit too low).

 

[Enduin]

Might want to check Google's own Play Store, they give you shipping information before you order. For instance on the Dutch one it says the 16GB black model will be shipped on november 3rd. The white models and black 32GB model say it will ship "before november 5th".

I had a 16GB version pre-ordered because initially the other version had 2-3 weeks listed as delivery time. They changed it sometime today so I switched to 32GB (since I've been on the fence for a while. I store most of my stuff on my network or in the cloud nowadays, but 16GB is still a bit too low).

Yeah it's Amazon or retail. I'm not paying for shipping, taxes are bad enough. At least with Prime I get free 2 day and possible upgrade to release day delivery.

 

[Aiii]

Yeah it's Amazon or retail. I'm not paying for shipping, taxes are bad enough. At least with Prime I get free 2 day and possible upgrade to release day delivery.

Heh my bad, keep forgetting what you Americans have to put up with when ordering stuff online.

Shipping is always next-day delivery in The Netherlands, gotta love being in a small country. And they actually priced the device 10 Euro's lower to compensate the 10 Euro shipping fee in the Play Store. Prices in Europe always include taxes too.

 

[show me your skeleton]

the sand is such a nice looking colour.

 

[SolidSnakeUS]

Sand really is a gorgeous color .

 

[Aiii]

Is Sand available for order in the US store? I know it's 32GB exclusive, but best I can tell it's not available yet anywhere?

 

[-Horizon-]

This is quite a compelling device - my preferred aspect ratio like an iPad, probably fairly comparable performance to an Air 2, but with more flexibility from Android and the guest and pin app features shown in the TechCrunch video is what I've always wanted from an iPad.

Build seems nice, back looks more durable than an iPad as well.

But there isn't massive price difference these days (compared to back when the iPad Mini was being compared to a Nexus 7 for instance), and iOS still has the upper hand in terms of tablet-optimised apps. So really, the main reason I'd pick this over an Air 2 is the guest/pin app feature, which is something Apple could integrate into iOS in the near future.

If the performance/battery life is comparable to an Air 2, and the screen is as good... I'd start leaning towards the Nexus 9.

The thing pushing me towards a Nexus 9 now is that I like the look of Android 5 better compared to iOS 8.

 

[kaching]

lol @ TC of all outlets telling people to ignore fanboy squabbles. Have they turned over a new leaf or something?

On topic. Torn on this one. I really liked the smaller 7-8" widescreen formfactor of the Nexus 7 and other similar devices (Dell Venue 8). But my N7 (2012) has seen better days and I'm ready for an upgrade. I also wish Google hadn't decided to tack to the center with the Apple markup on pricing. I guess it's not *that* bad at $399 but I see little reason for devices with essentially netbook performance to stray much over $300. I'm also not particularly happy with Google's stance on external storage for the Nexus products, esp. in the wake of making it a selling point for their Android One product line.

I might hold out to see how Dell's 7000 series Venue 8 tablet turns out, but I have a feeling that's going to be another premium priced tablet.


Edit: \/\/\/ Yes, every author is different but, for a good while there, TC seemed to hire and/or encourage their authors to specifically fan the flames of fanboyism, to the point where I stopped using them as a news/editorial source. Thus I wondered if things had changed since it's been awhile since I checked in with them.

 

[Aiii]

lol @ TC of all outlets telling people to ignore fanboy squabbles. Have they turned over a new leaf or something?

One author is not the next, he expands on the remark in the comments:

Every flagship phone made in the last year or so, be it iOS or Android, is amazing. At this point, it truly is a matter of personal preference; you pick what you like, I'll pick what I like, and everything will be just fine.

 

[Betta Lines]

The thing pushing me towards a Nexus 9 now is that I like the look of Android 5 better compared to iOS 8.

Yeah I'm on the fence about that, haven't used iOS extensively since 6, and I've never owned an Android device (but played with plenty). Both seem impressive and annoying in equal measure

 

[Orcastar]

I've been thinking about getting a tablet for a while now, but I can't decide if I should wait for the Nexus 9 or just buy a Galaxy Tab S 10.5". The aspect ratio and screen are pushing me towards the Tab S, but I guess the Nexus has better specs and a less cluttered UI. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Mindwipe]

I wish there was still a 7 inch Nexus - my Nexus 7 is the perfect size for me.

That said, the 2013 still runs perfectly well, so it's got another year in it and hopefully there'll be something a bit smaller next year. The Nexus 9 seems much more of a Nexus 10 replacement.

 

[Zombie James]

Looking forward to upgrading from my N10 to this. When I do that depends on how well Lollipop fixes some of the N10's performance issues, though.

 

[SolidSnakeUS]

Is Sand available for order in the US store? I know it's 32GB exclusive, but best I can tell it's not available yet anywhere?

I don't think it's out til later this year.

 

[sirap]

Material Design is gonna look bananas on this thing. Can't wait to switch from an Ipad to this. Getting tired of IOS on tablets.

 

[DietRob]

First tablet I find myself really wanting. I know it would likely not get a whole lot of use and ultimately be a waste of my money but I can't shake the feeling of desperately wanting it.

Only other tablet I've owned was the original kindle fire which I've since given to my grandpa as his bible reader since I wasn't using it at all outside of that first month.

 

[Enduin]

First tablet I find myself really wanting. I know it would likely not get a whole lot of use and ultimately be a waste of my money but I can't shake the feeling of desperately wanting it.

I kind of felt that way when I got my my Nexus 7 2012. It was cheap, I wanted a new toy but wasn't really sure if I would use it that much, low price won me over though. But as it turns out I use it all the time. On the train to and from work, all the time at home when I don't feel like sitting in front of a PC and just want to lounge around, especially in the evenings before bed reading, browsing the web, watching some videos. You may be surprised by how much you use it. Then again some people just never get in the habit and just have it lying around doing nothing for days on end.

 

[SlickShoesRUCrazy]

does this have a microsd card or no?

 

[belvedere]

Still happy with my N7 2012 and definitely don't need another tablet, but man is this thing tempting. The size just seems perfect.

 

[DietRob]

I kind of felt that way when I got my my Nexus 7 2012. It was cheap, I wanted a new toy but wasn't really sure if I would use it that much, low price won me over though. But as it turns out I use it all the time. On the train to and from work, all the time at home when I don't feel like sitting in front of a PC and just want to lounge around, especially in the evenings before bed reading, browsing the web, watching some videos. You may be surprised by how much you use it. Then again some people just never get in the habit and just have it lying around doing nothing for days on end.

I feel like I would use it more if I didn't already have a chromebook. I spend time in 3 places in my home and since I work at home I don't have the need to use something other than my phone when I'm out and about.

I have my main PC in my office, have my chromebook sitting down in my mancave, and use my Kindle Paperwhite in my room for reading before bed. I would feel better about getting one if I went ahead and sold my chromebook. Then I'm sure I'd miss the keyboard and mouse functionality. I'm talking myself out of it as I'm typing this. Wouldn't turn one down as a gift though lol

 

[Dead Prince]

does this have a microsd card or no?

lol.

 

[outunderthestars]

does this have a microsd card or no?

No nexus devices do sadly. It is the one flaw with the device in my opinion.

 

[Enduin]

does this have a microsd card or no?

No, but there are ways around that somewhat. You can get a dongle and USB thumb stick on the fly to stream or import files onto your device, but yeah you're stuck with 16 or 32gb on the device.

 

[Dash27]

I think this and the Surface are more appealing than the iPad right now but, I'm not a raging tech geek so I might be missing something. I suppose if you have a lot of apple products iPad is the obvious way to go.

To me the Google platform with a keyboard seems like a nice mix. I love my Droid phone so this would be the natural item for me to pair up.

Microsoft gets a close second place because also a neat keyboard paired with running PC apps and it seems to be a great laptop alternative.

 

[e_i]

Huh, Amazon told me a couple days ago that they have no release date the 16 GB and 32GB Black models. There's a date for the white models.

 

[threetri333]

How is tablet support on Android? Has it gotten closer to tablet support on iPads?

I'm interested why people are interested in Nexus 9 when the iPad Air 2 is coming out.

 

[Aiii]

How is tablet support on Android? Has it gotten closer to tablet support on iPads?

I'm interested why people are interested in Nexus 9 when the iPad Air 2 is coming out.

For one, Android is miles ahead on iOS 8 as far as the OS goes. The time that iOS was better is long behind us. Most particularly I like to use the example of third party keyboards on iOS8, aside from the fact it took them until 2014 to offer something that has been on Android for half a decade (just one example), they are buggy as shit on iOS and work horribly. You have a stupid switcher, in Chrome the keyboard wouldn't even pop-up some of the times, in another App I couldn't even type at all, nothing would enter into the program. Why would a third party app need to "fix" their program to work with a third party keyboard? That's insane.

Another example of maturity that iOS still doesn't have is changing default apps. Really? I can't open links into Chrome unless the (third party) program TELLS the iPad, yeah, you know, you should kinda sorta open this link in Chrome instead of Safari.

It's stuff like that that was pissing me off to no end for at least two years, iOS is now snappy, complete, feature heavy, efficient and about 20x more gorgeous than the awful design that iOS7 introduced to the world and the only thing that kept me on iPad's (I owned literally every iPad except the fourth gen) was the 4:3 ratio.

And now here we are, the perfect device.

Tablet apps are more than sufficient on Android now too, yes, it's not 1:1 perfect yet, but it's getting there and nowadays it's more about real niche or gaming that you should still turn to iPad, the latter doesn't really interest me and all the niche apps I need I have in nice tablet edition on Android.

If there was ever a time to make the switch, I'd say that time is now. Apple has been stagnant for a long time and is playing catch-up (halfheartedly) to Android and Windows Mobile features.

Those are my reasons for switching now, I'm sure many people won't agree, but there you go.

 

[ukas]

How is tablet support on Android? Has it gotten closer to tablet support on iPads?

I'm interested why people are interested in Nexus 9 when the iPad Air 2 is coming out.

Are you concerned? For me, I simply prefer Android over IOS.

 

[threetri333]

By tablet support, I am mostly interested in the apps. I know iPads get Knights of the Old Republic. I love KoTOR!

Android has gotten many old school Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games, but I got bored of them. :/

 

[BFIB]

By tablet support, I am mostly interested in the apps. I know iPads get Knights of the Old Republic. I love KoTOR!

Android has gotten many old school Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games, but I got bored of them. :/

Emulators my friend. Best part of owning an Android tablet.

I like my iPad for the apps, but this looks fantastic. I mostly use my tablet for comic reading, magazine reading, and browsing, with gaming here and there.

 

[EmiPrime]

iOS is shockingly bad as a tablet OS but the app ecosystem (particularly in terms of games) is unmatched.

That's it in a nutshell.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

Ugh, the Sand model is so gorgeous.

Might have to be my Christmas thing.

 

[Novocaine]

So pretty. I really want one but man, $720AUD for one with LTE.

I'll be sticking with my 2012 N7 for a little while longer I suppose. It's still good, It's still good!

 

[Neo Child]

These things would be 1,000,000 times better with microSD support since they are the best tablets out there. Had a 2012 & 2013 one!

 

[Enduin]

By tablet support, I am mostly interested in the apps. I know iPads get Knights of the Old Republic. I love KoTOR!

Android has gotten many old school Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest games, but I got bored of them. :/

I really dislike mobile as a platform for most games. For me the only ones I like are turn based, puzzle or Point and Click style games. All the kind of ports of console/pc games like KotoR, GTA and so on just do not appeal to me at all. Plus all of the action games made for them.

I would just look at the app stores for both and if you see that iOS has a lot more apps that you really want over Android then you should probably go with the Air. If not then I would seriously take a good look at the Nexus or other Android tablets.