Lenovo today introduced a trio of new tablet computers, two running Google’s Android 3.1 operating system and the third powered by Microsoft Windows 7. Netflix certification and pen support are nice features, but those alone aren’t enough. For the same cost, consumers are opting for iPads. Read more »
The second quarter of 2011 in mobile was all about smartphones, thanks to Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and mobile data consumption ramping up. In the tablet space, the iPad lacked any real competition, though that dominance will surely fade as more and more alternatives — from Cisco, HP and others — emerge. Elsewhere, location-based marketing finally made some headlines, and the groundwork for near-field communications looks to be finally falling into place. Additional companies in this report include Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft and Research In Motion. For a full list of companies, and to read the full report, sign up for a free trial. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
It’s been 14 months since Apple’s iPad debuted, and competitors have finally delivered on their tablet promises. But which is best for you? Based on my experience with all of the tablet platforms, this summary of device and platforms pros and cons can help you decide. Read more »
As we migrate away from stationary computing, new software solutions are needed for mobile activities. SRI’s latest development brings image stabilization to Google Talk users with Honeycomb tablets. Along with an improved experience, SRI’s video-stability solution could improve battery life for heavy video chatters. Read more »
Apple has just passed the 100,000 mark for apps available that are tailored specifically for the iPad. Compare that to under 200 for the Google’s Honeycomb tablet OS. It’s a margin that says the Android/iOS tablet battle isn’t the same as the smartphone war. Read more »
Google is activating half a million Android devices a day, a major surge in just the last couple months, a sign of growing momentum for the platform. Google’s VP of mobile Andy Rubin says activations are growing 4.4 percent week over week. Read more »
When it comes to software for reading e-books or magazines, a better visual experience is key. Zinio’s magazine app today improves that experience, but the software itself isn’t the solution. Optimization with capable hardware makes the page turns and text zooming far more fluid than before. Read more »
Tablets have gone mainstream, and now those devices — from the iPad to Research in Motion’s new PlayBook — are headed to the enterprise. This trend is largely driven by end users who prefer to bring their own devices to work, which is creating a fruitful marketplace for both hardware manufacturers and app developers. This report examines the current state of tablets in the enterprise, from use cases to market drivers, and analyzes which players will be worth watching in the coming months. Additional companies mentioned in this report include Apple, Google, Samsung and Nokia. For a full list of companies, and to read the full report, sign up for a free trial. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
Huawei, the top networking gear maker in China, continues its push into the consumer space with a new Android tablet. The dual-core MediaTab is a 7-inch slate was rumored to have a 1280 x 800 screen, just the right size for Honeycomb in a back pocket. Read more »
Samsung is about to knock off Nokia as the top smartphone seller thanks to its calculated Google Android strategy. HTC and LG hope to help their own cause with glasses-free 3-D smartphones. And Swype has a better keyboard for everyone’s Android handsets and tablets. Read more »
Swype, a popular third-party Android keyboard, improves to version 3.0 with tap word prediction and a new resizing function specific to Honeycomb tablets. Since larger slates aren’t suited for one-handed use, the improved features show that Swype is willing to pivot, even after 50 million installs. Read more »
After watching other hardware makers launch Google Honeycomb tablets, Toshiba’s take is ready. The Thrive ships next month but can be pre-ordered starting today. At $429, you only get 8 GB of internal storage, but a full-sized USB port and memory card slot can expand memory. Read more »
Consumers searching online for a tablet aren’t looking for iPads, but instead, are trying to see what tablets from other manufacturers are available, according to research. Much like its iPhone, Apple has succeeded in building iPad as a brand and less as a tablet computer. Read more »
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 launches June 8, but only at a single New York City location. The rest of the U.S. has to wait until June 17 for the device. Samsung promises a software update to differentiate the device, but it will launch with Honeycomb 3.1. Read more »
ViewSonic made good on a rumor from earlier this month and debuted its ViewPad 7x tablet running Google Honeycomb at Computex in Taipei. The 380-gram tablet should offer excellent portability but it’s unclear how well Honeycomb runs on the tablet which uses a third-party launcher. Read more »
A Wi-Fi version of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 passed FCC certification, indicating that this non-carrier model could soon follow the 3G edition. In recent polls, the majority preferred Wi-Fi tablets for several reasons; the main one being such large slates are used more at home. Read more »
In a sudden change, Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab 10.1 will now ship with Android 3.1 while Acer is reportedly delaying its 7-inch A100 tablet due to screen challenges found with Android 3.0. Smaller slates may have to wait for the next major version of Android. Read more »
Android device owners may enjoy less driving thanks to PayPal: an application update this week adds the ability to deposit checks with an Android smartphone. Acer’s Iconia Tab A500 received a relatively good review while Samsung announced plans for Gingerbread updates on smartphones and 7-inch tablets. Read more »
At $449, Acer’s Iconia Tab A500 is among the least expensive Honeycomb tablets available today. Dropping the 3G radio and limiting internal storage help keep the price down, but at 1.69 pounds, the tablet’s weight is on the upside. How is this device for the price? Read more »
At the annual Google I/O developer event, plans to improve Honeycomb were outlined, as was the strategy to unify Android for tablets and smartphones. Netflix for Android is finally here for some, while two hot 4G handsets look great: the Samsung Infuse and the HTC Sensation. Read more »
I’m either an early adopter or niche gadget lover with my 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab: People still tell me daily there’s no market for such a device. News from three different manufacturers says otherwise as new devices are planned; some with Google Android Honeycomb 3.0. Read more »
We made five Android predictions the day before the Google I/O keynote, so it’s time to check our score. Here’s how we fared, along with additional thoughts on what Google did, and didn’t, announce for Android smartphones, tablets and other connected devices in the home. Read more »
Google distributed some 5,000 Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Tablets to attendees of the sold-out Google I/O 2011 developer conference, and GigaOM was in the house for the freebie. Since the device won’t debut publicly until June 8th, we filmed our hands-on unboxing of the new Tab. Read more »
Google outlined Honeycomb 3.1 features today, which rolls out now to Motorola Xoom tablets on Verizon’s network, with other devices to follow. There are noticeable improvements in the operating system, including support for USB add-ons, but consumers need more tablet-optimized third-party apps from developers. Read more »
Google today confirmed that the next smartphone version of Android is called Ice Cream Sandwich and is targeted for launch in the final quarter of 2011. Although most phones won’t likely see the version until 2012, Google is working with partners to improve the update process. Read more »
At the Google I/O keynote this morning, Hugo Barra, Android Product Management director, reminisced about the early days of Android, before his team launched into some ambitious plans for the OS, including movies, music and the connected home. Read more »
All thoughts will be on Android at tomorrow’s Google I/O developer event, as Android smartphones are outselling all other platforms while tablets haven’t yet found their legs. Here’s what to expect from one of Google’s keynote sessions that will focus entirely on the Android platform. Read more »
The Infuse 4G with its huge, vivid touchscreen and fast radio was introduced by AT&T this week, but some many opt for a faster, dual-core device. The immersive Google Earth app travels to Honeycomb tablets and Amazon looks to soon have a tablet of its own. Read more »
Maybe it isn’t just a tablet OS after all: The next version of Google TV will be based on Honeycomb, the Android version that currently only powers a few select Android slates. Google also aims to improve its TV platform with apps and cheaper hardware. Read more »
Google today launched a tablet-optimized version of its Google Earth software for Honeycomb devices which truly showcases how solid Android software can run on a tablet. A 3-D graphics layer with textural buildings and contextual pop-ups make the application useful, informative and downright fun. Read more »
When Acer announced a $449 price tag for the Iconia Tab A500 Honeycomb tablet, I knew I wanted to take a look at the device. A review unit just arrived, so here’s a quick first look at the device and size comparisons to Apple’s iPad 2. Read more »
Verizon is releasing a software update Thursday for the Motorola Xoom tablet, but it doesn’t look like the features will boost flagging sales. Most of the changes are minor and don’t address bigger shortcomings found in Honeycomb. For that, device owners need to look to Google. Read more »
Sony is finally getting into the Android tablet game, announcing two new Honeycomb tablets, codenamed S1 and S2, that arrive this fall. That gives time for Honeycomb to mature and gain tablet-optimizes software while Sony leverages its consumer electronics ecosystem for media and entertainment. Read more »
Consumer electronics giant Sony (NYSE: SNE) has finally, formally confirmed what people have long been expecting the company to do for month… Read more at paidContent »
Skype not only patched a security hole in the Android client, it added 3G calling as well, which I’m testing as a primary voice solution. More Amazon tablet tidbits appear, lending credence to a new device soon. Meanwhile, the T-Mobile G-Slate Honeycomb tablet gets a review. Read more »
From AT&T’s controversial proposed deal with T-Mobile to the ever-changing tablet landscape and the rise of near field communications, there were many stories to report from the first quarter of 2011. Here’s a look back at some of the key trends in the mobile technology space. Read more »
Intel plans to power Google Android tablets in the future, which might be the chip-maker’s last, best shot at the fast-growing mobile market. But this isn’t the safest bet in town. For the moment, hardware has outpaced the capabilities of Google’s Honeycomb operating system. Read more »
T-Mobile’s G-Slate, the newest Google Honeycomb tablet, arrives April 20 for $529. The 8.9-inch tablet sits squarely in between the size of Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. Is there room for such a slate, even if it offers both 3-D video and 4G mobile broadband? Read more »
Love it or hate it, Google’s Android platform continues to storm the mobile market with 350,000 device activations per day. That annual run rate now rivals all iOS devices sold by Apple in its first three years. Here’s a timeline of how Google accomplished it. Read more »
Anticipating how new technologies will be used, especially new form factors such as tablets, is difficult. Data from the recent immr tablet study show how individuals expect to use tablets, which in turn influences the various tablet hardware models and features they are apt to purchase. Read more »
