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Android is an open source mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel. Various Smartphones based on the platform is already available in the market like HTC G1, HTC Droid Eris, Motorola Droid, Samsung Galaxy, GW620 Eve, etc. However, the Android platform still has a long way to cover in the tablet segment. Meanwhile, various PC vendors like Dell, Archos, and IDC are preparing to launch their tablet PCs based on the operating system.
Like Smartphones, tablet PCs feature touchscreen that requires digital pen or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. Apple is reported working on its tablet PC, which will be expected to hit the market in second half of 2010. Similarly, various other PC vendors like ASUS, Samsung are planning to introduce their tablet PCs by the next year.
Therefore, consumers can soon expect a handful of Android-based tablets from all major PC vendors, which will boast bigger screens, avoiding bulky QWERTY keyboard with touchscreen navigation.
Recently, Gartner predicted that by 2012, Android would become the world's second most popular Smartphone platform after Nokia's Symbian OS. This indicates that the platform is going to be a big hit in the market. But, the question is can Android tablets find a market?
Various Android-based tablets
Dell's Android based tablet: It is reported that the world's number three PC maker will launch an Android-based tablet device and expected to introduce in CES 2010. The device will have a 5-inch screen besides all the required features.
Fusion Garage's JooJoo: The new device features a 12.1' widescreen multi-touch capacitive display with 1366x768 pixel resolution and fingerprint-resistant coating. It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11(b/g), Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR wireless technology for internet connectivity. The tablet PC boasts 4GB SSD, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack and weighs just 1.1 kg.
Archos 5 Internet tablet: The new tablet PC features 5-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, 3D GPS navigation and a choice of upto 250 GB of internal memory. However, the 8GB model costs at $249.99. It can play 720p video including WMV and H.264, over HDMI and supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, 3G and GPS connectivity.
ICD Ultra tablet PC: Recently, ICD has introduced a new tablet PC base on Android 2.0 Éclair, called Ultra. The new device features 7" Touchscreen, 1.3 MP Web Cam, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Dual digital microphones. It is powered by NVIDIA Tegra, 512 DDR / 512 NAND, and supports 4GB Internal SD. For connectivity, the device supports Bluetooth 2.1, Wireless 802.11 b/g, 2g/3g Data and USB 2.0.
Discussion
Various other companies like GiiNii, Camangi, NEC, Moto, etc are also working on the Android-based tablets. The new tablets can differ in sizes, which will resemble iPod touch or MIDs available in the market. However, the success of these devices will depend on the prices, overall functionality and the consumers' willingness to carry a connected device in addition to mobile phone.
It is assumed that the devices will have Google Talk, which replaces cellular connectivity. Hence, VoIP and other Google support could make a difference for the Android-based tablets.
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