The alleged image, specs, features, and pricing for an HTC Google Nexus tablet have surfaced online ahead of the Google I/O developer conference later this week.

The Google I/O 2014 will take place on June 25 - 26 and Google is widely expected to make exciting announcements on both the hardware and the software fronts. More specifically, the company should introduce a new version of its popular mobile operating system, likely Android 5.0, as well as a launch vehicle for the new software. That launch vehicle may be a new Nexus tablet from HTC, if rumors turn out to be accurate.

A new Nexus 6 was also rumored, but other reports claimed that Google may not release a new Nexus smartphone this year, instead replacing the range with its new Android Silver project. The fate of the new-generation Nexus smartphone may still be unclear for now, but a new Nexus tablet has nonetheless leaked in an intriguing report.

The folks over at Android Police claim that Google could be teaming up with HTC for a new 8.9-inch tablet codenamed Volantis or Flounder. While an 8.9-inch Nexus tablet has been rumored on several occasions before, this new report claims it is internally referred to as the Nexus 9, not the Nexus 8 moniker we've heard so far.

In terms of specifications, the new slate could sport an 8.9-inch display with a resolution of 2048 x 1440 and a 281 ppi pixel density. Under the hood, this Nexus 9 could pack an NVIDIA Logan 64-bit processor, more commonly referred to as Tegra K1, paired with 2GB of RAM. Other purported specs include 16GB / 32GB internal storage configurations, an 8-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 3-megapixel front-facing shooter, stereo front speakers, and a premium zero-gap aluminum construction.

On the other hand, while the spec sheet mentions an aluminum body, the device shown in the accompanying image doesn't seem to be made of aluminum. The device may be an early mockup, or dummy model, but it all remains hazy for now.

When it comes to pricing, the report claims that the 16GB Nexus 9 model will sport a $399 price tag, while the 32GB version will go up to $499. An LTE-enabled variant will also be available, but will reportedly cost slightly more than $600.

Nothing is official so far, however, so take all this information with a hefty grain of salt. The Google I/O 2014 conference will kick off in just a couple of days and we'll get the real scoop straight from the source, so stay tuned.