Google’s second-generation Nexus 7 could be just weeks away with supply chain sources claiming it’ll launch in late July or early August. Like the current Nexus 7, the new model will reportedly be built by Asus, and it’ll feature much-improved specifications, including a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a Snapdragon 600 processor.

“The second-generation Nexus 7, co-developed by Google and Asustek Computer, will be launched at the end of July or the beginning of August, according to industry sources,” DigiTimes reports.

“Sources from the supply chain revealed that the new Nexus 7 features a 7-inch 1980 by 1200 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, 5-megapixel rear and 1.2-megapixel front cameras and expected price will be around US$199-249 for a model with Wi-Fi support.”

Google is expected to sell as many as 8 million second-generation Nexus 7s during the second half of 2013, but sources in its supply chain have suggested that might not be easy with many vendors preparing competing devices.

They note that the first-generation Nexus 7, which surpassed 6 million sales, only achieved that because it had little competition. When it launched last summer, there weren’t many tablets that were able to match the Nexus 7’s specifications as well as its price tag.

Now devices like the Amazon Kindle Fire, the HP Slate 7, and other devices from Acer and Lenovo are trying to challenge the Nexus 7’s growth.

• SourceDigiTimes