Faster, sleeker Nexus 7 tablet unveiled by Google

Google is introducing a sleeker version of its Nexus 7 tablet as the Internet company escalates its battle with Apple and Amazon.com in the mobile computing market.

The fancier devices unveiled Wednesday in San Francisco will go on sale in the U.S on Tuesday in Google's online store and various other retailers. No date has been set for the device's Canadian release.

Google also announced a $35 device that will let you watch Netflix, YouTube and other content on a high-definition TV. Simply plug the Chromecast into the TV's HDMI port, and it'll display content from your phone, tablet or laptop.

The Chromecast is available right away, while the new Nexus 7 devices go on sale in the U.S. on Tuesday. It's available in Google's online store and various other retailers. Google made the announcement Wednesday at an event in San Francisco.

The extra firepower added to the second generation of Nexus 7 tablets will come with a higher price. A model with 16 gigabytes of storage will sell for $229, a $30 per increase from theoriginal Nexus 7released a year ago. That's still 30 percent below the $329 that Apple Inc. charges for its iPad Mini. A comparable Kindle Fire HD tablet from Amazon.com Inc. currently sells for $199.

• Read Pete Nowak's review of theprevious Nexus 7 model

A 32-gigabyte version of the Nexus 7 for $269, a $20 price increase.

Google Inc. says the new line of Nexus tablets boasts a higher-definition 7-inch (17.5-centimeter) display screen and a processor that promises to be nearlytwice as fast. Dual stereo speakers have been added for richer sound, and the device's battery duration has been extended by about an hour. The Nexus 7 will also be the first device to get the 4.3 version of its Android software.