Google rolls out new Nexus tablet, smartphone ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of new iPad

Google has unveiled its latest tablet in an apparent effort to upstage Apple's anticipated update of its trend-setting iPad.

The Nexus 9 tablet announced Wednesday will compete against a new version of the iPad Air that Apple Inc. is expected to show off to reporters and analysts at a Thursday event in Cupertino, California.

Besides taking the wraps off its new tablet, Google Inc. also rolled out its latest Nexus smartphone. The Nexus 6 phone has a nearly 6-inch screen, eclipsing the 5.5-inch display on the iPhone 6 Plus that Apple began selling last month.

Both of the Nexus devices will run on a new version of Google's Android operating system. The latest software is called "Lollipop" in keeping with Google's tradition of naming its Android upgrades after treats.