Google is unveiling a small tablet computer bearing its brand.

Called the Nexus Seven, the tablet will have a screen that measures 7 inches diagonally, smaller than the nearly 10 inches on Apple Inc.'s popular iPad. That means it's more likely to challenge Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle Fire, which is also 7 inches.

The Nexus Seven will run the next version of Google Inc.'s Android operating system, called Jelly Bean. The tablet is also designed specifically for Google Play, the company's online store for movies, music, games, books and apps. Google said Wednesday that Google Play will now offer movies for sale, rather than only
rentals.

A Google expansion into the tablet market brings another imposing entrant into what is already a battle of tech heavyweights. Last week, Microsoft Corp. announced its own tablet, Surface. Expected to go on sale this fall, Surface will run on a revamped version of Windows and compete directly with the iPad.

Although the tablet carries the Google brand, the machine will be made by AsusTek Computer Inc. Google also recently expanded into the device-making business with its $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility, but the company has stressed that it intends to continue to rely on Asus and other manufacturers that have embraced
Android.

There are already other Android-powered tablets on the market, but none have proven nearly as popular as the iPad or Kindle Fire.

(Associated Press)