The Google Asus Nexus 7 will be considerably less attractive to European and other non-US customers when it begins shipping later this month. Though it has been applauded for its global availability, non-US versions of the device will lack some functionality.

Only American customers will be able to use Google Play, a media hub being touted as one of the tablet’s more appealing features, to download content from Google’s music, TV and magazine catalogues. Licensing agreements complicate the company’s ability to make all of its media services available globally. It’s a valid reason, but the limitations will nonetheless be a strike against the device for prospective non-US customers.

And given the increasing threat of malware on Android devices, forcing users to seek unofficial methods of delivery for media content could worsen security risks.

The Nexus 7 will be the first tablet to run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is expected to perform well in the tablet market, which is currently dominated by Apple’s pricey iPad. Google’s device, by comparison, is priced at a competitive £159 for the 8GB model and £199 for the 16GB.

UK availability has not been confirmed but the tablet is expected to hit the market as of 19 July.