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Nexus 7 experiencing consumer backlash after defects found

Jordan O'Brien
August 14, 2013

Looks like the new Nexus 7 didn’t launch as smoothly as Google and Asus would have hoped, with users now reporting several issues with the second-generation model.

Currently users have reported that their GPS isn’t working as expected and that the touchscreen sensitivity is too high.

According to users on XDA Developers and Google’s product forums, the new Nexus 7 is registering finger taps without a hand even being near the device. One user even went so far as to post a video of the Nexus 7 running a multitouch test — and it didn’t end well.

The video embedded proves that the accuracy of the multitouch is quite dreadful, with the device registering touches significantly away from where the user has made the interaction.

Google has promised people that it is looking into the issue, with Google employee Paul Wilcox taking to the forums to apologise.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the issues were isolated to the GPS and touchscreen, issues that for some people could easily be overlooked — but it turns out there are yet more bugs.

According to Google’s own forums, users have started reporting that the new Nexus 7 is randomly freezing or rebooting for no apparent reason.

Google is offering temporary fixes for the issue though, with booting the device in safe mode and resetting to factory settings both on the table as temporary fixes.

There is currently no ETA as to when an official fix will be released.

About the Author

Jordan O'Brien

Technology Journalist with an unhealthy obsession with trains and American TV. Attempts satire far too often. (+44) 020 7324 3502

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