Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) cancels event to launch new smartphone, tablet due to storm

Hurricane Sandy has scotched the plans of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) to announce the launch of its LG Nexus smartphone and tablet.

The storm, which has already started to veer towards east coast towards New Jersey, is expected to wreak havoc and a number of emergency measures have already been pressed into service by the Obama administration.

A state of emergency has been declared while the New York Stock Exchange trading floor will remain closed during the day.

Google which was supposed to hold the event on Monday said in a statement to The Verge "We are cancelling our Monday morning event in New York due to Hurricane Sandy. We will let you know our plans as soon as we know more.'

The Internet search giant which is now powering ahead in the smartphone and tablet segment with its Nexus range plans to launch its latest version of the Android operating software along with the new devices.

The new Android version 4.2 includes features that allow two or more users to share a tablet as well as faster access to settings, updated camera app with panoramic photo support, more focus on Google Play Store among others.

The new Nexus tablet is expected to be an upgrade of the existing nexus 7 with more storage, probably 32 BG that will retail for $249 each. The current model is available for $199.

Google is also expected to introduce a 10 inch Nexus tablet that will directly take on the Apple iPad.

According to rumours the new larger tablet will have a dual-core 1.7GHz Exynos 5250 processor as well as front and rear cameras. The Samsung made device is said to feature wireless connectivity, but not 4G LTE.

The LG Nexus 4 could include a quad-core CPU, 1280×768 4.7″ display, an 8MP camera with a second front-facing camera and a 2100mAh battery all running on Android 4.2.