LG's latest mid-sized tablet comes in a new software flavor
Following tightly on rumors that it would release a stock tablet, LG has just announced the Google Play edition G Pad 8.3. The tablet looks nearly identical to the original version of the G Pad 8.3, but is of course running a stock version of Android 4.4 KitKat, as you would expect from a Google Play edition device.
The device is only available in black (rather than black and white), and packs the same 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (expandable by MicroSD) and an 8.3-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display.
The Google Play edition G Pad 8.3 is now available on the Play Store for $349.99, and at the moment shows 1-2 business day shipping. For the moment, Google and LG aren't releasing details on availability outside of the U.S.
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LG ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER GOOGLE PLAY EDITION TABLET LG G Pad 8.3 First Android Open Source Project Tablet Running Android 4.4 KitKat |
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Reader comments
LG announces Google Play edition G Pad 8.3
I have both G Pads since their release days and love them both. The GPE has become my favorite only because I like vanilla android. I thought I would miss QPair, but it is now available on the GPE version and works perfectly. I didn't really use QSlide and the other LG software, so no big deal. I wish the GPE had the File Manager, allowing you to move apps and data back and forth between the internal memory and the micro sd card, but once I receive the OTA update, I'll root it and be happy again. LG is really coming with it with the G2 and these 2 G Pads. IMHO the price difference was well worth it and I'd do it again!
"Google’s first Android Open Source Project (AOSP) tablet"
What's the difference between AOSP and "stock Android" aka "Nexus"? In other words, how is the software different from whats on the Nexus 7? To me that's the bigger story here. Is there Android fragmentation even in the Google Play store? If not, why is this being touted as a "first of its kind tablet"? AndroidCentral, your readers are begging to know!
So when will Android Central be giving some of these bad boys away? :D
Releasing a GPE is like saying
1) We know people don't like our interfaces
2) We're slow to update our devices
Love my N7 2013- considering one of these (don't really need 2 tablets but..)- why no wireless charging LG?? stupid to leave that out
The G Pad has a metal back, which is why there is no wireless charging option.
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Could this be the alleged nexus 8 that was rumored?
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Probably.
Definitely no reason to have N 8 now since even the price is reasonable
No LTE, no sale. I'm really hoping for a Nexus 10 LTE.
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Just 16Gb and no micro SD card? It is a nice looking device, but that puts me off.
Awesome A C
Did you take the time to read the article? "expandable by MicroSD" like the none GPE version it has a SD slot.
It has a micro SD card slot.
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Just pulled the trigger and bought one. Ships in 1-2 days. Woo Hoo! Now, I'll need to sell my current G Pad.
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Try selling it here!
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Why wouldn't you just wait a few days and flash the GPE rom? lol
If Google is really going to fight at Guadalcanal with apple and Microsoft then they need to release the refreshed n10. My mom got the old 32gb n10 and my dad really wants the new one. We were planning on buying it for Christmas,but it doesn't look like that will happen.
Google Edition, the only way anyone owning a LG product will probably ever get timely (if any) software updates. - Luv, A Former Flagship LG Phone user.
I know that feel. ditching my G2 as soon i get the 4.4 update cuz that will be it's last update
This hopefully will compete nicely with the iPad Mini retina
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I agree that it will compete within our "nerd" circles. But the iPad Mini will still win among regular consumers, because there's nothing like driving to an Apple Store or Best Buy and trying something in store and taknig it home that day.* I haven't seen too many ads for the G Pad, whereas I've seen one or two a day for the iPad Mini.
*The stock G Pad is available, but there may be some consumers that are turned off by LG's skin. There's also some that may love the skin, so that could even it out. The iPad mini will still win though.
This is coming from someone who is 100% in the Android/Google ecosystem, and cannot stand using an iPad or iOS. But let's be real. There are a number of things that would need to happen for this to compete.
This is a good thing google play edition tablet
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THIS IS THE TABLET I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!!! I've thought the G Pad was a great device but didn't want LG's skin. Nexus 7 is too small, Nexus 10 is too big. G Pad 8.3" is just right.
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now, does that mean that there will not be a nexus 10 this year ? .. still waiting for that one
It doesn't mean anything it just means there is a G Pad 8.3 GPE.
Everyone needs to stop talking about the Nexus 10 this in no way effects anything with it potentially or potentially not being announced/released/etc.
So hot!
Sent from my Motorola side view pager 4-5683-968
I'm loving the fact that more and more devices are going Google Play edition. Bring on more. Nice.
Oh joy, I just got my G Pad yesterday. I'm really liking the size of it a ton coming from an 4G Xoom. The speakers sound good, screen is good but could be a hair brighter, build quality is good. Expansion storage although currently no app2sd support at least stock.
I'd love to try the Google rom but Qpair is cool and so is a functional remote. Knock on and off is also a delightful tool now on both my devices. Curious if LG / Google addresses this.
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Mostly now that LG now has 3 devices running 4.4.2 I'd really love to see them speed things up on updates on their top of the line products like the G2 and G Pad. Come on LG you have all the resources to make it happen.
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At least in the case of the two Nexus's (Nexi?), the updates are handled by Google. For the G Pad, all LG has to do is tweak it slightly to their hardware and it is still distributed by Google. I don't know if making the Nexus hardware (and now GPE hardware) would give them early access to code, but possibly.
Could this be the v510 or is that definitely a nexus?
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I purchased a Black 8.3 last Saturday at BestBuy's 1 day sales event for $279.00 it's a great tablet.. with the only issue being the "Blue Line".. which does not bother me in the least.. I think it looks kinda kool to be honest.. But since we already have Root & Custom Recovery, we just need to port the .img file and ALL 8.3 owners will enjoy 4.4.__ by Xmas.. all of us that are Rooted with Recovery that is.. Now, time to go check this New ROM over at XDA... :-)
I Hope AC does a G Pad 8.3 verus Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 review. I know it is an apple to oranges review, but it'd be nice to have specs and user experience compared especially if the G Pad shares a similar price point with any of the N7 or N10 models, or forthcoming N10 refresh models.
In any event, its great to have more GPe choices.
It would be really pertinent actually. The G Pad 8.3 GPe would fit right in line with N7 and N10. Just for those wanting a little bigger display.
Come on, new nexus 10!!!!!
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no doubt!
Very excited about this. I've had the black gpad since the day it came out and I LOVE it but what I would like even more is some vanilla kitkat. I have CM11 running on my G2 and it's nice but I really like the official stuff. Excellent hardware on this tablet. I liked it so much I bought my wife a white one the next day after I got mine. Have it rooted with xposed mods going so I hope there is a conversion process or at the very least a good GPE rom.
I'm also hoping this leads to MORE CASES for the thing as there is a serious lack of cases right now for this tablet and the ones that are available take 6 weeks to ship and cost $40 or more.
I have the original G Pad, and there are some really nice features in LG's own UI, knock knock being my favourite, so I think I'll pass on this version. I hope now that there will be more accessories becoming available for the G Pad, because at the minute there's hardly anything decent available. I still can't find a half decent, reasonably priced case for mine!
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That's the one feature from LG's ui that I wouldn't want to give up (although knock on doesn't work that great on my tablet... not nearly as well as it works on my G2...) BUT CM11 for my g2 has working knock on as it's kernal based so hopefully we will be able to retain knock on capability on the gpad once we get the roms.
Why would this not have knock on/off? It's a GPe not a Nexus.
Posted via Android Central App using an LG G2.
Do you try to use Knock On for your other devices too? I keep trying to use it on my Optimus G!
Yes I have tried to wake my nexus 7 2013 with the double tap a few times lol.
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I'd like one of these, but my N7 is the perfect size for reading books and fits in the top of my lunchbox...
Sold! Going to pick this up when I get my tax rebate early next year.
Also, I love how Google doesn't announce anything, they just update the store and we lap it up.
I just bought the 8.3 shortly after it came out. Now I wish I had this one... LG does have some great software features, but I hate not ever getting an upgrade... I'm an Optimus G owner... and I have an LG G2 that I haven't opened yet, but I'm also considering just keeping one of the Moto X phones I have in inventory. They each have very desirable qualities, and I can't decide!!! The nerd in me naturally says the G2 is the only choice, but the always-on voice commands would come in handy during my long commute, and I do like that the screen is large but the phone is not unwieldy. Ugh.
You can activate the voice mate app and In the settings you can set it so it's activated with a phrase and can even be activated from the lockscreen. Suprisingly the Voice mate app on the G2 is really quite good. And has the always listening feature.
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I read and watched some reviews of the G Pad last night to learn as much about the hardware, and I agree that it has some nifty software features. However, I think the only thing I would use would be Knock On, and the rest would be bloat. The Google Play Edition will be better for me.
And I wouldn't mind a G2 GPE, but the slick back kills it for me. Nexus 5 will do just fine, but I'll just have to charge it more often.
Does anybody think they might say one last thing and announce the new n10?
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we can dream lol
Honestly, with the announcement of this tablet, I don't even care if they refresh the Nexus 10 or just quietly let it die.
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LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play edition
LG GP8.3GPe
And what's irritating is the fact that the G2 which is considered a high end phone is made of crappy plastic but that has a much better build quality. Great logic there LG!
I sense the same argument can be made for the n5.
Don't get me wrong, i love the n5( I don't have one, so i am kinda an armchair reviewer here,) it's just that haters of the n5_ might actually use that exact same argument!
(P.s, anyone seen the blizzard out here in the east? 2 days of canceled school for ice and snow)!
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I can't lie. That G Pad does have some sexy hardware.
Posted via my "Gift from God" Nexus 5
I'm buying This!
I am imaging this tablet having a lightsaber duel with the white n7 2013, then the lg says"nexus, i am your cousin"
The n7 goes"No, that can't be, thats IMPOSSIBLE! "
But seriously, wont there be some infighting because the only real difference between these two is the size of the screen.
(Dont know if .2ghz is a real difference though.
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Wow, now I'm confused again android vs iPad Air, damnnit. lol.
Just kidding, more choices is always better :)
Might have to stop by a best buy and see if I can get a feel for the LG 8.3 pad
I know it won't be the google play version, but it will give me a feel for the difference between the 8.3 on this and the 9.7 iPad Air.
Make sure when you go to Bestbuy to look at the G Pad you go to the phone section as they display it with the G2 and not the tablets.... who ever thought thats was a good idea needs firing lol
thanks for the tip, doesn't make any sense to me either lol.
That explains why I couldn't find it in any of the Minnesota Best Buy stores! It was the only tablet NOT on display with the tablets.
I bought mine at the BB in Burnsville, MN. It was displayed right across from the N7.
-Suntan
As much as I like the stock G2, it would be nice to see a GPe G2.
Posted via Android Central App using an LG G2.
Does anyone have any insight into why Google limits the access on GPE devices to the US? I am sure this would sell well in Canada, and yet it is not possible to order this, or any other, GPE device.
An excellent question, indeed: why is GPE US-only?
Perhaps the answer is that, given the chance, I would now own a UK HTC One GPE but instead I use a UK Nexus 5. Perhaps Nexus devices would not sell in sufficient numbers if the rest of the world had a choice of stock Android/hardware combination.
My best guess is that Google can better keep an eye on other OEM's making their devices that aren't nexuses for control reasons.
Remeber the old saying"trust in God, watch everyone else?"
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Interesting idea, but I am not persuaded. We're talking about developed economies here; I don't think piracy or theft is any more pervasive in Canada than in the US. I suspect it is really about sales volumes, but I was hoping someone might have more insight.
That may well be the case, although Google shouldn't care what Android device I am using, so long as they have me as a mobile search client. Maybe they have crunched the numbers and determined that the cost of sales is too high for the volume, but surely the European market (or even Great Britain) would be sufficiently large?
Frustrating, not because I couldn't get around this on my next trip to the US, but because I would have no recourse to support should I need it.
They're niche devices, US is the biggest smartphone market. It likely wouldn't be worth the expense to get GPe devices certified in other countries.
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Maybe its just right now being released in USA first...I for one hope its available in Canada as well.
Hope springs eternal, but if they did not bring the GPE phones to Canada, what hope do we have for the tablets. Maybe I will just grab the OEM version from Tiger Direct and hope for a CM Kit Kat ROM. That strikes me as a more likely outcome for Canadians.
Like everything, big US companies seem to think only America wants new products...
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Most companies want profits; they don't really care about boundaries. US companies are no different in that respect.
I really think its all down to home market placement. Sure, people in other countries may want a specific device in another country that isn't available to them. The u.s. placement of the company is just a coincidence . Any company will usually release a new product in its home market to see how people react. Then, they make changes to the product to better suit users of different countries and then sell it to them. Think about the lg flex, for example. It is being released in S.K first. The U.S. will probably get the device eventually,but it has not been stated by LG that we will get it. Us Americans may want it, but because LG is based in S.K, their home market, S.K will be getting it first. Its just the way business sense works. You test something in one area, if it worked expand the product, if not shut it down. I am not happy about this though, because even taking into account my model, 1-2 years should be long enough for a testing period. Make a petition and have interested people and important people sign it. Shiw ot to Google, and just be patient. If you did that, you have expressed yourself as a Google consituent and have done all the things you can in your power.
Hope this helps!
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If I were to venture a guess I would say that because the point of these phones (beyond being developer devices) is to showcase Googles services and products and there are many places outside the US where those are not all available. It would look bad to have a Google with only some of the Google products and services. They could fragment availability, but its easier just to do US only.
Posted via Android Central App on my daily driver, the Droid MAX
I want this. Like NOW.
AT&T LG G2 :)
Wauw, a geat tablet just got even better!
Now.... does this kill off the regular LG version as far as development goes.... i really want one of these, the nexus 7 really does have to be sold now but but im thinking i should hold on to my $259 LG G Pad and hope it gets a conversion
I am thinking it will benefit the regular version, hopefully this will allow many more people to see the tablet especially from a development standpoint I would think people will be able to adapt to both versions.
We got our 1st 4.4 rom today over at xda, camera and gps is borked so far, but im hoping someone makes us a conversion
I'm pretty sure one is in the works.
Posted via my "Gift from God" Nexus 5
I`ve just asked LG Mobile on twitter and Facebook if they will have an official conversion process.... rather unlikely but it doesn't hurt to ask
Lg will still want to push their skin of android and all of the exclusive features jut like Samsung and HTC did with their gpe's of their phones.
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Yea agreed, official conversion is highly highly unlikely.
You'll be installing a custom rom to get GPe on the original device.
They should be able to pull the bootloader off the GPE 8.3 and give you instructions on how to flash it to a stock 8.3 device.
Posted via Android Central App
Cant get this in my country but can get standard LG 8.3, How easy would it be to put play edition on standard G pad.
Excellent question sir! I'd love to know the answer too. Since the Galaxy S4 and HTC One could easily be upgraded to the Google Edition, I hope it will be the same here. In my mind this is currently the best tablet on the market.
This is sensational news. I've had my eyes on this for months. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is far too big. The Nexus 7 is far too small. I searched high and low before I purchased my last tablet which was a Galaxy Tab 8.9. The size was just perfect.
This is exactly what I've been looking for in a tablet. Between 8-9 inches. Full HD display. Quad Core processors. 2 GB of RAM. Expandable storage.
I'm hoping the non-Google Play edition can get converted to Kitkat. I just bought it for $250 on cyber monday from Newegg.
+1 Good deal! I didn't see that one.
I have 5 of them I'm selling for $290 + shipping (you choose what shipping service and speed you want).
I'll just wait for Newegg to put it on sale again for 279.99 with free shipping.
They have that right now, plus you can get an extra 10% off (check the homepage).
Newegg's been going up and down on their price since post Thanksgiving. Best I saw was $279.99 plus a $30 coupon code for a total of $249.99 (w. free shipping option). Should have jumped on one then, but my wife wouldn't have been very happy, considering what we've spent on Christmas so far. :-) I'm curious if the Google Play store will put this model on sale, as I like that it's loaded with base Android OS.
Even though I don't support it I'm sure a ROM may be made.
Posted via Android Central App on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (Android 4.2.2)
You don't support a ROM being made?! What do you care?
Posted via Android Central App
Yeah, that does come off as kind of snotty, lol.
Posted via my "Gift from God" Nexus 5
Agreed, why not a rom for those who want it? I enjoyed a GPe rom quite a bit when I was on the S4.
It's unamerican is what it is.
dafuq? dude says he doesn't support ROMs
ROM's are pretty much as American as it gets.
It's all about having the freedom and liberty to put what you want onto a device you own. Who are any of us to say what a man does with his own property in the comfort of his own home?
'Murica, Fuck Yeah!!
Posted via my "Gift from God" Nexus 5
Care to clarify?
Posted via Android Central App using an LG G2.
And you are who exactly?
I'm Batman.
Posted via Android Central App
Does anyone remember rumors of a 8 inch Nexus tablet?
Posted from my "KNOX-FREE" 4.3 Sprint GS3...!!!
This is the result of what those rumors were.
Posted via Android Central App
I'm interested too, but not if it means giving up the knock, knock feature.
-Suntan
Custom kernels FTW. Nexus 4 with Franco has "Knock, Knock" feature. Its callled "Double Tap to wake" though.
Got the same deal and in the exact same boat my friend. I got it rooted but have researches any bootloader unlocking. But constantly searching through Internet waiting on someone to put gpe KitKat on the original.
And the Z Ultra as well.
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=sony_z_ultra
Wish it was the regular Z1. Over 5.5 inches, no thank you.
Yeah me too.
WHITE 2013 N7 TOO!
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_7_32GB_White?id=nexu...
WOW!
Where is the HTC One Max google play edition?
I need a phone over 5.5" for my big hands & fingers
Plus who wouldn't want the latest & greatest vanilla android OS without carrier or OEM bloatware?
Plus quick ass updates from Google #GooglePlayEditionFTW
Posted from My GNote 2 via AC App
Since the Z1 is pretty much identical hardware wise to the Z Ultra , minus the screen size. Roms have already been easily ported to and from each device, so if the GPe rom gets ported to regular Z Ultra its likely it will get ported to Z1 as well. Not ideal, but would be nice.