In an effort to plumb the depths of you-get-what-you-pay-for, Google and Asustek are reportedly working on developing a US$99 tablet in time for Christmas. According to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, the two companies are conspiring on a thinner form factor for the $199 Nexus 7 and a second unspecified $99 model in order to keep in front of Apple's unannounced iPad mini.
DigiTimes has a long and hallowed history of publishing stories based on leaks from Apple's supply chain. Many of those leaks haven't been borne out by time, but the newspaper's reports that have improved in the last couple of years.
In the case of this new report not directly involving Apple, the leak cites display maker HannStar Display, though the source of the leak isn't specified as being from within that company. Be that as it may, HannStar would make the displays, and Google/Asustek wants the end device to be inexpensive.
[Via CNet]