October 9, 2012 - 11:11 AMT
Google, Samsung reportedly developing co-branded Nexus tablet

Google is working with Samsung to develop a co-branded high-end Nexus tablet featuring a 10.1-inch screen, according to CNET.

The 10.1-inch tablet will boast a pixel density that is higher than Apple's third-generation iPad, said Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch.

The 2,560x1,600 display will have a PPI (pixels per inch) of about 299, said Shim. That tops the 264 PPI on the 9.7-inch 2,048x1,536 Retina iPad.

"It's going to be a high-end device," Shim said - in contrast with Google's $199 Nexus 7 and upcoming $99 tablet.

But probably the biggest news is the partnership with Samsung. "They'll partner with Samsung and co-brand it with Samsung," Shim said.

To date, Google has partnered with Asus on the Nexus 7 tablet.

A co-branded tablet with Samsung would be a significant broadening of Google's relationship with Samsung. Google already cobrands the Galaxy Nexus Samsung smartphone.

Shim characterized his information about the 10.1-inch Nexus as "supply chain indications," which typically indicates a high likelihood that the product will come to fruition, according to Shim.

Shim also confirmed that Google will start production on a $99 tablet in December.