infoTECH Feature

January 05, 2011

Google Android 3.0 Powered Tablets Previewed at CES

Soon after revealing Android (News - Alert) Gingerbread or Android 2.3 last month, Google is now talking about the next upgrade, the Android Honeycomb or Android 3.0. Even before the latest version of Android operating system is unveiled, OEMs are talking about showcasing Android 3.0 based tablets at the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas.

Toshiba’s (News - Alert) Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., previewed its first Android-powered tablet for the U.S. market. Featuring a 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen HD display, the tablet is well-equipped with stand-out performance and features, plus smart technologies that adapt to the way user wants to use it. The Toshiba tablet is slated to ship in the first half of 2011 with the Android Honeycomb operating system, the next version of Android designed for tablet devices.

Likewise, Taiwan’s AsusTek Computer, Inc., also unveiled new tablet computers powered by Android Honeycomb. Just before the start of the CES (News - Alert) show, the company displayed a variety of tablet computers that included the Eee Pad Transformer and Eee Pad Slider. While the Eee Pad Transformer is a laptop that splits in two to function as a tablet, the Eee Pad Slider’s keyboard slides out of its left side.

The company also demonstrated Eee Slate and the Eee Pad MeMO. The Slate runs on Microsoft’s (News - Alert) Windows 7, and MeMO is powered by the Android Honeycomb software. Media reports indicate that MeMo is slated for availability in June.

In a statement, said Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager at Toshiba America Information Systems for the Digital Products Division, “The time is right to deliver a new generation of tablets that go beyond expectations, giving users the freedom to experience the full web and app ecosystem with open designs that provide unprecedented connectivity and personalization.”  

He added, “This new device reflects Toshiba’s long expertise in merging intuitive, easy-to-use visual and mobility-focused hardware with uncommonly smart technologies and will deliver on the promise of the category.”

The Toshiba tablet’s high-resolution 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen multi-touch display is ideal for viewing full websites and both landscape and portrait mode. The display’s high definition 1280x800 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio also creates a cinematic experience for movie viewing and gaming. Coupled with support for Adobe Flash-enabled content, the tablet provides a complete Web and entertainment experience.

Other features include EasyGrip finish, full frame-rate 1080p HD video playback, Toshiba Resolution video enhancement technology, a two megapixel front-facing camera and five megapixel rear-facing camera for taking photos, videos and video chat, and includes integrated GPS and compass so users can take advantage of location-based services. Plus, it offers a full host of connectivity options and ports that make it easy to integrate the device into everyday digital life.


Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jaclyn Allard
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