Google counters iPad Mini news with three Nexus sizes

Apple may have their iPad Mini, but they're going to have to compete with Google's tinier Nexus tablets too. Meet the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, joining the existing (but improved) Nexus 7.

Google's Nexus reveal was originally meant for a media event, as these things typically are announced, but Hurricane Sandy forced the company to axe their plans. As such, the new extended Nexus family gets its spotlight today on the official Google blog.

The Nexus 4 is basically a smartphone and a collaboration with LG, undoubtedly aimed at the iPhone 5 and Samsung's popular Galaxy line. Due for North American release on November 13, the Nexus 4 will be one of the first smartphones in the U.S. to boast a quad-core processor, and features a generous 4.7 inch hi-res display.

Google is also announcing an included feature called "Photo Sphere," which lets users take "3D Panorama" photos by simply snapping them in any direction (not just up-down or side-to-side). The device can also be wirelessly charged.

The Nexus 7, which the mobile market should already be familiar with, is now available with 32GB and HSPA+ mobile, for a price of $299 ($100 more than the original). This version can operate on more than 200 GSM providers worldwide.

The Nexus 10, another new addition, is Google's first full-sized tablet, more akin to the iPad and Microsoft's new Surface tablet. This device was built in collab with Samsung, despite the Korean company's own (albeit unsuccessful) attempts to enter the tablet race with their own device. According to Google, the Nexus 10 will have a 10 inch screen with a 2560x1600 resolution at 300 pixels per inch, putting it ahead of the iPad's 2048x1536 resolution/264 pixel display.

Further stats show the Nexus 10 is also thinner and lighter than the newest iPad, at 8.9mm and 1.33 pounds versus 9.4mm and 1.49 pounds. It'll run on a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor with a rear 5 megapixel camera and a front-facing 1.9 megapixel cam. Like all other Nexus devices -- including the new Nexus 4 phone -- the Nexus 10 tablet will run Android 4.2, a "new flavor" of Jelly Bean. The expected launch day is also November 13.

Here is a rundown of pricing and storage capacity:

• Nexus 4: 8GB for $299; 16GB for $349; available 11/13
• Nexus 7: 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $249
  
• Nexus 7 with 32GB and mobile data: $299 and unlocked
  
• Nexus 10: 16GB for $399; 32GB for $499; available 11/13

Today's Nexus announcement comes just one week after Apple announced the new (and pricey) iPad Mini, along with a new iPad 4.