I really, really want a decent spec'ed Nexus 7 2016/2017 model to be released by Google. How much of a no brainer can that be? Sell them by the truckload at Best Buy and on Amazon.
Why would a new Nexus be any more popular this year than other year's?
Mainly because there hasn't been a new one in two years, and that one wasn't well received. I think most also want a smaller size than the N9 and want it to cost much less. Both N7's were very well received. I believe a refreshed N7 2016 priced right will do well.
What do you mean by "automation"?I use several Nexus 7 (2013) around my house for my home automation. It's the perfect size. It is the only tablet I know of with wireless charging so I can put tablet docks around the house that don't require plugging the tablet in. Especially convenient for bedside night stand. I even have one mounted on the wall using a wireless charger that has a magnet to hold it on. I would like the same with perhaps updated CPU but these actually still run fine.