Nexus 5 already came out. Reports say Google will be releasing the Nexus 10 2 sometime soon. Whereas the market is still busy with these two slates, a KitKat promotional video may have just hinted Nexus 8's coming. New reports about the Nexus 8 say Google intends to compete directly with the iPad Mini 2 with its new slate. Is the market ready for a new Nexus?

According to the latest report, the Nexus 8, as the name implies, will feature an 8-inch screen, Android 4.4 KitKat, tiny bezels and on-screen buttons. Google's Web site, Android.com, went through a transformation as soon as the Nexus 5 came out. Nonetheless, it seems the Internet giant is already working on another Nexus - and it is dropping hints about it.

Last week, when a user went to the Apps & Entertainment section of the revamped Web site, scrolling down to the second image will reveal a device, which according to sources, has never been sighted before. In other words, the tablet the woman is holding in the said image is a kind of slate that has not been released by Google yet.

Some sources are saying that Google wants to put out another device.

The image was first reported by Britoid in a discussion on The Verge Forums. As mentioned, the slate appears to look about 8 inches. The device appears to be running on KitKat based on the status bar icons. The device also features on-screen navigation buttons.

What is different about the device is that the bezels look more compact compared to the Nexus 7 tablet. The first generation Nexus 10 turns 1 year old this year and while the market is anticipating the Nexus 10 2, it will be a surprise to see a Nexus 8 tablet. Analysts agree that Google can surprise the market and may even attract interest if this will push through.

Although the image can be found on Android's generic page, many sources point out that Google never used generic or "non-existent" devices on its promotional materials before. The other picture on the page, features a girl holding a Nexus 7.

If people will look at the Net giant's history, the company has a habit of dropping hints or leaking its products in the same manner. For instance, the Nexus 5 initially appeared in Google's official video where an employee was shown capturing a KitKat statue.

iPad Mini 2

The iPad Mini 2 measures 7.87 inches (200 mm) by 5.3 inches (134.7 mm) and weighs 0.73 pound (331 g). Another competitive point Google has to make note is the Retina display. Apple remains a leading tablet and laptop manufacturer because of the premium features of its products including the Retina display. The iPad Mini 2 features a 7.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, 2,048 x 1,536 resolution at 326 ppi and fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.

Apple's iPad Mini 2 runs on A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion co-processor ensuring fast and reliable performance. The iPad Mini 2 runs on built-in 23.8 Wh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery offering up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music.

Google may have an advantage because of its Android 4.4 KitKat and its increasingly more harmonised and less fragmented OS. Nonetheless, the market will have to wait for the Nexus 8 for the real competition to begin.