Samsung launches Android tablet in joint venture with Vodafone
Samsung has launched its first tablet device ‘The Galaxy Tab’ with global carrier Vodafone and set to offer the product from October.
The market prices have not been released yet and much will obviously hinge on that, but Vodafone’s Samsung Galaxy Tab looks like a real contender for iPad in terms of functionality.
Unlike the Apple iPad, to which the Galaxy Tab bears an expected resemblance, Samsung’s unit possesses cellular connectivity from the beginning, to harmonize its Wi-Fi capabilities. It supports all cellular communication, offering voice and video calling, SMS and MMS plus email. It also support for Adobe’s Flash Player 10.1 which again makes it different from Apple. It has a 3 megapixel camera, can do more than 7 hours video between charges and has a phone function. The table can also be used to receive calls by using its in built speaker and mic.
The Galaxy Tab will run Android 2.2 and has a 7 inch display. And it’s a multi-purpose ‘media centre’ which sounds as if it’s slightly more portable and tuned up for mobility than the iPad.
The Tab is high-definition and can also be used as an e-reader or a navigation device. It features 32 GB of storage and weights 380gm.
According to JK Shin, president of Samsung’s mobile unit, talking about the nascent tablet market, Samsung identifies the marvelous growth potential in this newly created market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in the company’s DNA. This demand continues to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential.
Vodafone was the first operator to announce a sharing deal for the device.
According to Patrick Chomet, Group Director of Terminals at Vodafone, Vodafone’s aim is to offer all customers new and attractive ways to enjoy mobile data, on the move, across a variety of devices. Adding tablets as part of our device range is a natural next step that gives customers an alternative way to enjoy great content and internet services.
