Google's next-generation tablet geared to compete with the iPad might still be a rumor, but if the stars align according to current trajectories, the Nexus 8 (or Nexus 9) should be available early October in time for the holiday shopping season.

According to an unnamed Portuguese-speaking, Brazilian PhoneArena source, the Google Nexus 8/9 could make its debut Oct. 8. Details are scant, but it has pretty much been solidified through various sightings that HTC will be manufacturing the tablet and HTC does have a manufacturing plant in Brazil. Is that enough? Only time will tell. If Google follows its previous tendencies, then the new Nexus tablet should hit the Google Play store for purchase soon after, if not immediately. 

Neither Google nor HTC have confirmed the existence of a new Nexus tablet, but thanks to the intrepid efforts of tech tipsters, we have a pretty good outline of what the tablet is going to bring to the table.

To begin with, the Nexus 8 tablet might be the Nexus 9 (or possibly something a bit more clever). The HTC-made tablet is said to sport a display size of 8.9 inches, and if Google's previous naming system applies, this would make it the Nexus 9. Internal codenames for the tablet have been divulged as "Volantis" or "Flounder."

Leaks have also indicated that the HTC-Google tablet will feature an Nvidia processor inside. According to PhoneArena, this will be the Tegra K1 chipset, "which literally mauls the competition in all benchmarks." Alongside it should be 3GB of RAM.

The Nexus 8/9 is rumored to be Google's attempt at taking the iPad head-on. Not only should the tablet feature high-end construction (read: metal), it should also ship with a keyboard and cover, much like Microsoft's Surface series, according to @upleaks.

The Nexus 8/9 itself should house an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 3-megapixel front shooter, and NFC and LTE capabilities. Other than that, there isn't much to say except that a large part of the Nexus 8/9's enhanced functionality should come from the new Android L that should accompany the tablet.

PhoneArena's source also divulged that Google plans on releasing a "tube-shaped" waterproof 16-megapixel camera that is aimed at taking on the "GoPro crowd."

The Nexus 8/9 should differentiate itself from previous Nexus tablets, if speculation is correct, due to its specific purpose: to take on the iPad. Previous Nexus offerings have largely been focused on providing consumers with a budget option, but it's beginning to look like Google is becoming more interested in taking on Apple in its own market. This does mean the Nexus 8/9 could be priced higher, but if this is true, an early October release date would allow Google to enter its tablet into the marketplace before Apple unleashes its new iPad lineup sometime in October or November.