Apple’s iPad is still on top of its game in the tablet world despite stiff competition from many top rivals such as Samsung. However iPad need to keep looking over their shoulder and keep both eyes open for upcoming opposition from two big name Asian manufacturers by the names of Huawei and HTC. Both of these companies are set to release new tablets with the benefits of exciting new feature apps and all at a cheaper cost. Exciting news for e publishers with compelling content to offer.
Huaewi are set to release their tablet in April. This Android tablet is to be christened the Ideos Slim S7. Although similar in style to the iPad the S7 7 inch device has been described at the next generation device which is “now more streamlined for easier portability.” This tablet is rumoured to be less than half an inch deep, has a 480 by 800 pixel multi touch screen, a 720p HD video playback, 3G connectivity, Wi Fi and Bluetooth. But probably the most compelling feature of this device is that it is whispered to have the ability to place phone calls. Genius! Now on top of that it costs under $300.
HTC’s Flyer similarly has 3G, Bluetooth and Wi Fi connectivity capabilities. It also sports a 5 megapixel camera on the back, 1GB of functioning RAM as well as a 1.3 megapixel unit for video conferencing. Again this tablet is similar in style to Apple’s iPad with a 7 inch unit aluminium structure and a “super LCD” touch screen. It is under 7.7 inches long and half an inch deep, weighing in at under a pound in weight. The Flyer is bound to be stiff competition in the ring against the iPad.
The most exciting features in the Flyer is the carousel selector tool for quick app selection and its authoritative UI layer as well as its overhaul for HTC’s position on the favourite tablet polls. Partnered with its Scribe system HTC also enables pen support within the Flyer so you can draw pictures and take notes almost more precisely than you could do manually with your own hand. It also offers a new Watch service allowing you to stream HD movies and also has a Timemark app that enables the user to record audio clips and sync them in time to your written notes. This is an Aladdin’s Cave for students and lecturers alike. The Flyer is estimated to be launched at around $670.
I wonder what Apple has to make of all these new features being brought to the market and just how many of these attractive capabilities will be popping up in their tablet apps. Let’s wait and see!
