February 10th, 2009
Android-based tablet PC has smartphone capabilities
An Android-based collaboration between Texas Instruments and multimedia device manufacturer ARCHOS has yielded an Internet tablet based on Google Android.
The companies jointly announced the ultrathin Internet Media Tablet yesterday, a handheld computer with smartphone capabilities, they said. The device utilizes Google’s Android telephony stack, ARCHOS’ multimedia framework and the OMAP 3 platform from Texas Instruments.
The companies said the IMT, measuring five inches diagonally and just 10mm thick, has “the capabilities of a premium smartphone,” with access to the third-party applications and the Android development environment for “the best entertainment and Web-browsing experience.”
The IMT will be released in the third quarter, and the price has not yet been announced.
ARCHOS released its ARCHOS 5 portable media player in October, which includes built-in Wi-Fi, a Web browser and a touchscreen for about $325. The company said the addition of voice and other smartphone features in the IMT was part of its effort to expand beyond portable media players to “the converged space.”
ARCHOS CEO and founder Henri Crohas said the tablet represents the opportunity to combine “high-quality video and a full Web experience” in a single device.
“PC-like” browsing is facilitated by a high-resolution five-inch screen and full-width page viewing, support for Adobe Flash, playback for multiple video formats, up to 500GB of storage, and a battery that can provide seven hours of video playback. Wireless connectivity is 7.2 Mbps HSUPA.
ARCHOS said it selected the OMAP 3 applications processor and other hardware for low power and high performance.
It seems Google Android is already spreading to various devices. Moreover, Android-based devices are expected to be a key feature at the Mobile World Congress, which opens in Barcelona next week.
Is this the form factor for you? Does Android sweeten the deal?
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
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