A new report backs up previous claims that Google has replaced Asus and will partner with HTC on an 8-inch Nexus tablet. The tablet is expected to be release in the third quarter.

Google entered the tablet market when it introduced the first-generation Nexus 7 in June 2012. The tablet was the result of a partnership between Google and Asus and the slate was a runaway success due to being a Nexus-branded device. Nexus smartphones and tablets run stock Android and receive Android updates directly from Google instead of carriers, which could take months of testing.

When Google announced its second-generation Nexus 7 in July 2013, the company once again partnered with Asus to build the device. The new Nexus 7 featured a higher resolution 1920 x 1200 Full HD display, more powerful processor, and added both a 5-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front facing camera for video chat.

There have been recent rumors that suggested Google was dropping Asus for its next-generation Nexus tablet and was in talks with HTC to build the device. A new report from DigiTimes is adding fuel to the fire and claims that Google and HTC have partnered to build an 8-inch Nexus tablet.

We recently reported the HTC Nexus tablet was believed to ship with an 8.9-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD display and was said to be a "high-performance" and premium device. DigiTimes' sources claim the tablet will instead use a smaller 8-inch display when it's officially announced, but doesn't list any other information in terms of specs and design. The publication also claims that Google originally wanted HTC to build the original Nexus 7.

"Prior to its cooperation with Asustek for the first-generation Nexus 7, Google tried to contact HTC for a partnership, but was refused because HTC was busy pushing its smartphone business back then, the sources added."

DigiTimes' sources also claim that the HTC 8-inch Nexus tablet is scheduled to be released sometime in the third quarter. If true, we could possibly see the tablet shown off at Google's I/O conference or at an event scheduled specifically for the HTC tablet. As with all unannounced devices, take this report with a huge grain of salt.