Hands-on with the new Google Nexus 7(2013)

Last year, I wrote about my experiences with the first generation Google Nexus 7 Android tablet. It was Google's first meaningful foray into the tablet market and something that was sorely needed given the state of Android tablets at that time. Much has changed since then. The ASUS-built original Nexus 7 sold very well and more importantly made a small but meaningful dent in the iPad dominated tablet market. Fast forward to 2013 and Google announced its second generation Nexus 7 to the world last week. I got my hands on the tablet today and here are my early impressions.[gallery ids="1226,1227,1228,1229,1230,1231,1232,1233"]A Step UpThe original Nexus 7 was a bare bones Android tablet that showcased the best of the OS. There were obvious corners cut in the overall build of the device to sell for less than $200. This time around, Google and ASUS have crafted a better device. From the get go, the device feels solid. The fake metal accents of the original Nexus are gone. The texturized back which felt OK first time around feels much better now. The one thing I couldnt help but notice is how much the tablet looks like a phone. With phablets all the rage, the Nexus 7 furthers the narrative in that direction with a tall design with bezels prominently at the top and bottom. Switched off, it looks like a really big phone. Out of Box ExperienceThe out of box experience is not much different from the last time. The device booted and asked for my Google credentials. Once I plugged in my Google credentials, it populated the device with a bunch of my Android apps. I am curious to know what the basis for app selection is. That said, I was up and running in a few minutes.[gallery ids="1233,1234,1235,1236,1237,1238,1239"]Android Jelly Bean 4.3I am guessing my device shipped with Android 4.2.2. As soon as I signed in, the device prompted me to restart since a new software was available. After the reboot, the device settings page showed me as running Jelly Bean 4.3. I have not been able to see any significant difference between Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and 4.3. One thing I observed was that I could now add widgets from the lock screen.Restricted ProfilesThe major feature of 4.3 that is user facing is the ability to create restricted profiles. I created a restricted profile - the option is available under Settings->User. I was asked to create a device lock mechanism prior to defining the profile. Profile definition was turning on and off each app available on the device. Once done, I was taken to the lock screen and then chose the restricted profile. Only the permitted apps were seen.[gallery ids="1261,1262"]The device was very snappy to use. Transitions were very smooth and response was very good. I used a bunch of apps, the camera, youtube, Angry Birds, Hangouts, and everything worked smoothly. Display and SoundTwo things that Google has played up in its pitch for the new Nexus 7 are its stereo speakers and high-res display (1920 x 1200 at 323 ppi). I am happy to report that both hardware features are worth the praise. The HD IPS display is a pleasure to watch and use. The colors are nice. Blacks are deep.The stereo speakers first came into vogue with the Amazon Kindle Fire HD. The Nexus 7 incorporates stereo speakers into its Nexus 7 this year to good effect. The stereo effect was a great experience. With good HD videos recorded with good sound, the overall media watching/listening experience was fantastic.[gallery ids="1249,1248,1247,1246,1245,1244,1243,1242,1241,1240"]So is it worth it?The first Nexus 7 was good but not great. It sold well given its price but its durability has been brought to question. The second Nexus will also face the same question. But for now, it is a great product at a great price. It looks, feels and sounds great. At $229, it is a much better buy than the $329 iPad Mini which in my opinion is significantly overpriced. Unlike the $499 iPad, the Mini is not worth its price. The Nexus 7 offers much more value for its price. I recommend it whole-heartedly. You can buy directly at the Google Play Store or at Amazon.com (free shipping).