Google to launch tablet to take on the iPad in 6 months

Google will release a flagship Android tablet in the next six months to challenge Apple's iPad, its chairman Eric Schmidt has revealed.

In an echo of the firm's smartphone strategy, whereby its own Nexus range forms the vanguard of the Android attack on the iPhone, Mr Schmidt said Google is developing a tablet.

"In the next six months we plan to market a tablet of the highest quality," he told an Italian newspaper.

Google has already had a hand in the development of the Motorola Xoom but, like other Android tablets, it suffered disappointing sales in a market dominated by the iPad.

Since then, however, Google has itself become a major hardware manufacturer via its US$12.5-billion (S$16.2-billion) acquisition of Motorola's devices division, which is currently under consideration by competition authorities. The deal would give it much more control over Android tablet development.

Amazon's Kindle Fire has presented the strongest challenge to Apple so far, mostly based on its relatively low price, but has faced criticism over the usability of its software.

Mr Schmidt paid tribute to Steve Jobs' role in kickstarting the tablet market: "Steve realised the revolutionary potential of the tablet and created an amazing product like the iPad," he said. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Source: www.todayonline.com/TechandDigital/Digital/EDC111222-0000020/Google-to-launch-tablet-to-take-on-the-iPad-in-6-months

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Sony unveils Android tablets

Sony unveils Android tablets
04:46 AM Sep 02, 2011
TOKYO - Sony has launched its first Android tablets. The S and P models are the first such devices made by the Japanese electronics giant, with the S featuring a tapered design and a 9.4-inch screen, while the P is a folding, clamshell model with two smaller screens.

Sony claims both devices not only offer the best available features in the Android tablet market - with fast Web browsing and PlayStation games - it also boast features not available on the market-leader, Apple's iPad.

For the S, the two key features are a built in remote-control that can be used with any infra-red devices - including television sets and hi-fis not made by Sony - and the ability to use the tablet to direct digital media, such as music or films, from anywhere on the user's network to any TV or hifi that can play it.

The new release marks a step-change for Android tablets, which have previously sought primarily to ape the iPad slim form factor, while relying on Google for the vast majority of the software. Sony has sought to shift the innovation to hardware, where its heritage lies, a company source said.

Weighing 598g, the S model will be shipped to Europe later this month, while the 372g P will be available from November.

Both include USB and SD card slots, as well as high-speed Web browsing, that the company claims is faster than any tablet currently on the market. Both tablets will have front and rear cameras, WiFi connectivity and 3G mobile Internet, and 4G where it is available. The S will come in either 16 or 32GB of storage, while the smaller P will come with 4GB. Sony claims seven hours battery life for the P and eight for the S.

Last year, Sony said its aim was to be second to Apple in the tablet market by next year. That will mean overtaking rivals including Samsung, Motorola and RIM (Research in Motion), manufacturers of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Sony made the announcements at the IFA consumer technology trade fair in Berlin, where it has also launched an updated version of its eReader and wearable 3D visor. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Source: www.todayonline.com

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