Clues now abound that the rumoured Nexus 10 2 on 2013 Black Friday is real and the most solid indicator yet is Google's latest move of seeding for manual download the 4.4 build of Android or KitKat for the full-sized tablet's first edition.

The KitKat 4.4 update file, exclusively for the Nexus 10 2012 model, was detected Nov 22 on Google's developer site, according to Gotta Be Mobile, all set for download and eventual flashing for those brave enough to try out the rather complicated process.

The same GBM report stressed that getting KitKat manually for the Nexus 10 is not for everyone as the OTA deployment of the same upgrade process is already underway. However, waiting time for over the air could extend to a few more weeks so those willing to take the risk are given this option.

The key before proceeding is exercise utmost caution or better yet pile up more patience and wait up instead for Google's update channel to deliver the latest Android flavour.

Yet the real excitement about KitKat's arrival for the initial Nexus 10 build is the high likelihood that its replacement is ready for its grand debut, supporting persistent rumours that release date for the Nexus 10 2 is on Black Friday or at least within the week when the annual sales mania will be held.

It is likely a first-things-first case for Google. The tech giant has been keeping the release details of the new Nexus 10 under wraps because probably preparations are to be made, among them to put the finishing touches for the gadget that it will dislodge.

Now that KitKat has been unwrapped for the Samsung-assembled Nexus 10, Google can set its sight to the new model, which reports said will either be built by Asus or LG. And the best time to unleash the supposed iPad Air rival is the 2013 holiday season, which formally kicks off next week through the Black Friday rush.

The event marks the year's biggest consumer fest in which retailers offer incredible and irresistible gadget deals. For sure, Google would not want its signature slate to miss the chance of collecting huge attention (and probably sales) by breaking out on a special week, which should prep the Nexus 10 2 for its epic holiday battle with the trimmed down but more powerful 9.7-inch iPad Air.

And how exactly will the new Nexus 10 measure up with the 'heavyweight' Air? Numerous reports suggest the vanilla Android will be both and a beauty and a beast. It is likely to showcase a better looking profile with fewer footprints as the emphasis so buyers can expect to get a sexier and lighter device from the previous make.

And while the heft reduction was strictly observed during manufacture, the Nexus 10 2 remains a powerhouse - relying on a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, at least 2GB (3GB is highly likely) of RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU. The latter will bring to life its supposed Retina-beating screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 with denser pixel rendition.

But really the strongest selling point that the Nexus 10 2 will display on release date is its solid pricing. The basic model of 16GB with Wi-Fi and LTE radio signal should sell between $400 and $450 while the iPad Air starts at $500.