Google is planning to release a Nexus 8 tablet later this year, with an 8.9-inch screen, according to IHS Technology.

The technology consultancy firm told CNET that it is aware of Google's plans to release a larger Nexus tablet later this year with a "high performance" screen.

Production on this Nexus 8 tablet is said to begin in July or August this year. It will be made in smaller volumes than the Nexus 7 and will have a more "premium price tag to support the specifications."

The source said she "would not be surprised if it is higher than $299". This would put the device in the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 price range. The HDX has an excellent screen for the money with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, so we'd expect this level to appear on the Nexus 8 also – making it more pixel dense than the current Nexus 7.

READ: Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Review

Digitimes is also reporting on word from Asian manufacturers that Google is looking into a larger tablet screen with a 2K resolution or more. While Digitimes is normally hit-and-miss for accuracy this does back up what IHS Technology is claiming. And with 2K screens appearing on mobiles like the Oppo Find 7 it makes sense for the latest Nexus to get a pixel upgrade.

HTC is claimed to be the manufacturer of the Nexus 8 tablet, according to IHS. Expect to hear more when it allegedly hits production this July or August. Previous rumours also suggest the Nexus 8 will come packing a 64-bit Intel Bay Trail-T processor.

READ: Oppo Find 7 is the phone Samsung's Galaxy S5 could have been, 2K display and 50MP photos