There are certain features and capabilities we now expect to be standard on almost all tablets. But with an increasingly competitive market place what can the big players in the tablet market do to stand out from the rest, advance the technology and most importantly provide value for their customers?

Google’s Nexus range of Tablets have been consistent in driving tablet technology forward while appealing to a larger market share with reasonable pricing. 2014 is due to see the release of their latest entry into the tablet market with the Nexus 8. Here we look at a few of the expected features of the Nexus 8 that might set it apart from the rest.

Form

The Nexus 8 is thought to be the successor to the very popular Nexus 7 tablets. However, Google will be expanding the display to 8 inches plus, putting it in competition with devices such as the iPad mini and the Galaxy Note 8.0.

The “Slate” form will be retained allowing the device to be held relatively comfortably in one hand making it ideal for reading e-books, catching up with emails and checking the news on the move.

Specs

The Nexus 8 is expected to move to a 64 bit architecture to match similar offerings from Apple such as the iPhone 5. This will mean a more powerful processor that can run complex applications efficiently. Programs will run faster while using less energy leading to longer battery life.

RAM is also expected to increase to 3GB from the Nexus 7’s 2GB. Unlike the Nexus 7 the Nexus 8 is not expected to offer a 16GB memory version and will either be offered solely with 32GB or with 32GB and 64GB options.

OS

The Nexus 8 may launch with an updated version of the current Android 4.4 KitKat operating system but many expect Google to announce a new Android 4.5 operating system, codenamed Lollipop, to coincide with the release of the Nexus 8.

Beyond a new set of icons and backgrounds a new OS will almost certainly be designed to take advantage of the 64 bit processor in the device for smoother performance.

3D Imaging

One of the most interesting rumours about the Nexus 8 is that it will incorporate two rear facing cameras that, combined with some powerful image processing software, will allow users to take 3D photographs.

The popular appeal of such a feature is obvious but Google are likely to develop some very practical applications for the technology, making it far more than a simple sales gimmick. Recent developments in virtual reality, particularly Facebook’s purchase of Oculus, may have inspired Google to implement the technology.

Of course until the details are confirmed these are just rumours and speculation. Google is expected to present the new device at their developers conference at the end of June when our curiosity will hopefully be satisfied.