Google set to unveil new Nexus tablets at July 24 event

Google appears to be getting ready to introduce the next generation of its Nexus tablets.

The unveiling is likely to come at a July 24 event in San Francisco. Google Inc. sent invitations Wednesday to the media.

The event will be hosted by Sundar Pichai (SOON-dahr pihch-EYE), a Google executive who oversees the company's Android and Chrome operating systems.

Android, the world's leading mobile operating system, powers Google's line-up of Nexus tablets. Those devices have emerged as a popular alternative to Apple Inc.'s iPad since Google released the first Nexus tablet with a 7-inch display screen last July.

It has become customary for top-selling devices to be upgraded at least once a year, fueling speculation that is what Google is about to do with the Nexus next week.