A while back, we were treated to an image on Google Play of a woman using what looked like an 8-inch tablet. At the time, we thought Google would be releasing an 8-inch tablet to go alongside the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, but the reality is actually a little different.

LG announced today that its new 8-inch tablet – the G Pad 8.3 – is now available on Google Play with stock Android. Much like the HTC One and Galaxy S 4 before it, LG’s tablet now rocks the Google Play Edition moniker to distinguish itself from the pack. It also has the distinction of being the first tablet to be a part of the Google Play Edition line.

“LG’s working relationship with Google has always been strong and our collaboration on the first-ever Google Play Edition tablet is proof of that commitment,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition is a device with hardware and software that has been optimized for a truly consumer-friendly experience. There’s nothing else like it out there in the marketplace.”

The LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition is no different from the regular G Pad 8.3 that launched earlier this year. Those who opt for the GPE route will still get the same 8.3-inch 1920×1200 display, 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of memory, rear 5.0MP camera and Wi-Fi only connectivity. Unlike the regular G Pad 8.3, the GPE G Pad 8.3 will ship with Android 4.4, KitKat, and will be updated regularly to the newest version of Android before any other device.

The LG G Pad Google Play Edition is available now for $349.99. If you’re in the market for a new phone, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra now has a Google Play Edition as well. It will set you back $649.99.

[Image: Google Play]