Google to Unveil Second-Generation Nexus 7 Today

In just a few short hours,

is expected to unveil the second-generation Nexus 7.

According to

, the company will sell the tablet directly to consumers through Google Play, just as it did with the previous iteration.

and other retailers are expected to carry the device as well, though they may not begin to sell it as quickly as Google's own online store.

In an earlier report,

estimated that Nexus 7 will ship with support for Bluetooth SMART, a newer Bluetooth format that consumes less energy. While the device is still forthcoming,

reported that touch panel makers are seeing steady orders for the next-generation Nexus 7. In April, rumors about the Nexus 7's price began to circulate. One report claimed that the new seven-inch device could sell for

. This was no doubt in response to the low-cost tablets released by

and other firms. Two months later the rumor shifted to a

. Instead of retailing for less than $200, Google was believed to be considering a $229 price tag in order to help the device stand out from the crowd. By charging $30 more than the original Nexus 7, Google could increase its revenue while maintaining a much lower price that

iPad Mini, which starts at $329. Another rumor stated that

, which is expected to provide chips for

second-generation Surface, will

for future Nexus 7 orders. If true, Qualcomm would replace

, which manufactured chips for the first Nexus 7. Early this morning

published a collection of second-generation Nexus 7 images that reportedly came from Best Buy:

Investors can tune in to YouTube to watch Google unveil the new Nexus 7 (and other possible products, as well as Android 4.3) starting at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 12:00 p.m. EDT.