MSI Reveals 10-inch $299 Android Tablet

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If you put a big enough display on a tablet PC and say that it’s running Android, will people turn their heads for the price alone? You bet your biffy they will – that’s exactly what’s happening here with MSI this week at Computex where they’re revealing two new Android tablets by the names WindPad Enjoy 10 and WindPad Enjoy 7. What sets these tablets aside from the WindPad 100A Android tablet announced on the 30th of May? The processor, of course!


While the WindPad 100A is going to be rolling out with an ARM Cortex-A9 dual core processor and “the latest Google Android operating system” – we hope for Android 3.1 Honeycomb but expect Android 2.3 Gingerbread or Android 3.0 Honeycomb. The 100A also has 1GB DDRII of memory, 802.11 b/g/n wireless, G-Sensor, ALS, and an SSD hard drive with up to 32GB of memory. SD card reader, USB port, and mini HDMI slot. Find out more about the 100A back in this May 30th post.
Now for the MSI WindPad Enjoy 10 and Enjoy 7, two more tablets from the same group. These tablets are different first in the fact that they’ve got price tags: USD $299 for the 10-inch and $199 for the 7-inch. Impressive! Then we’ve got to note that these tablets were running Android 2.3 Gingerbread whilst sitting at Computex and MSI has noted that they will likely still be running Android 2.3 when they’re released later this year.
Both of the Enjoy tablets feature 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A8 processors, both have front and rear-facing cameras, and both have 4GB of built-in memory. They’ve both also got the following ports: mini USB, mini HDMI, and a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage.

[via Android Guys]

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Archos announcing new generation of Honeycomb Tablets June 23rd

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Archos who was one of the first to start making and selling Android tablets back in the Android 1.5 days are about to unleash some information on the next generation of Archos Tablets in Paris come June 23rd. They’ve had some success with Android tablets even though they have not shipped with Google’s blessing and set of special Google Apps such as the Android Market, Gmail, Google Maps and more. Archos has done a pretty good job making older android versions run well on tablets like the Archos 101 and 70.


The above image is not in English, but from what we are hearing it seems that Archos is all set to announce the new line and latest generation of their tablets, hopefully running on Honeycomb at a event on June 23rd. Details are thin, same goes for any news as to if they will actually be running Honeycomb or not but the Bee buzzing around in the picture above makes us think Honeycomb is up next for Archos.
A few Archos devices hit the FCC back in February but I have a feeling those are not what we will be seeing come June 23rd. Archos is known to make extremely reasonably priced devices although some may consider the build quality lacking. Hopefully this next generation will bring Archos up to par with the latest offerings like the Motorola Xoom, and the ASUS Transformer. Stay tuned for more information and check back on June 23rd for more details.
[via Archos Lounge]

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MSI WindPad 100A: 10-inch IPS slate

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MSI is on the tablet train at Computex 2011 this week too, and its Android offering is the WindPad 100A. A 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 IPS slate weighing 740g, the WindPad 100A has an unspecified dual-core Cortex A9 processor – we’re guessing NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 – along with 1GB of RAM, up to 32GB of storage and WiFi b/g/n.

There’s also an HDMI port, g-sensor, ambient light sensor, an SD card slot, USB port and audio output; cameras front and back complete the deal. OS is “the latest Google Android operating system” which certainly suggests Honeycomb, perhaps with MSI hedging its bets a little just in case a newer version pops out before the WindPad 100A reaches shelves.
No word on when, exactly, that will be however, nor for how much it will cost. MSI also unveiled a new Windows 7 tablet, which you can find details of at the via link below.
[via SlashGear]
Press Release:

Powerful, Stylish MSI WindPad Tablets
To show stuff at Computex 2011
As tablets take the world by storm, MSI is leading the way in terms of R&D. This big name in high tech products is unveiling the latest additions to its WindPad Tablet Series at Computex 2011. They feature the latest, greatest power-sipping processors and a full array of I/O and expansion ports, so hooking up to your computer and multimedia devices at home and work is a cinch. MSI also joined forces with world-renowned fashion designer Jeremy Scott to design the looks of the MSI WindPad Series. Scott has an impressive résumé, having collaborated with big name celebrities, like Madonna and Lady Gaga, as well as sports product giant Adidas. This is his first time working with the high tech industry.
Taipei—As big names around the world in PCs and mobile phones try their hands at tablet computers, MSI, which boasts innovative R&D capabilities, chic designs, and a cautious approach to market development, will be exhibiting its own wares, including the 10-inch WindPad 100A and WindPad 110W, at both Computex 2011 (May 31-June 4) and L607 at the Taipei World Trade Center in Nangang. Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, points out that MSI’s new generation WindPad Tablet Series includes WindPad 110W with AMD Brazos processing platform and Windows 7 OS as well as the WindPad 100A with ARM Cortex™-A9 architecture processor and the latest Google Android OS. Both tablets are equipped with all-new soft/hardware to satisfy your work and entertainment needs.
MSI WindPad 110W
Power and style
Mainstream operating systems: MSI’s new generation tablet series include the WindPad 110W and WindPad 100A. The WindPad 110W features Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS—ideal for businesses, because the prevalence of Windows and the enhanced application support vastly reduce the possibility of incompatibility issues. The WindPad 100A uses the latest version of the open-source Google Android OS for which new applications are being designed at unheard of rates. As a result, the WindPad 100A has no problem meeting consumer entertainment software needs. Cutting-edge fashion by Jeremy Scott: MSI went the extra mile to provide its WindPads with sophisticated looks, sheathing them in color film print to not only give them an extra touch of class, but to safeguard them from scratching and wear. So whether you’re zipping along on the subway, kicking back at a cozy café, or enjoying nature, you can whip out your WindPad tablet with confidence. Some beautiful WindPads will debut at this year’s Computex, including models designed by world-famous fashion designer Jeremy Scott who has incorporated cutting-edge style into MSI’s cutting-edge high tech to create the perfect blend of fashion and technology.
MSI WindPad 100A
Unparalleled entertainment platform
WindPad 110W: MSI’s WindPad 110W packs AMD’s Brazos dual core processor with AMD Radeon™ HD 6250 display chip for impressive processing and display performance, giving this tablet graphics processing capabilities on par with a discrete graphics card. Pop open the hood and you’ll find 2GB DDRII of memory, 802.11 b/g/n wireless, a G-Sensor gravity detector, an ALS light sensor, and an SSD hard drive with up to 64GB of memory. Weighing in at 850 grams, it boasts six-plus hours of battery time—the longest of any tablet with Windows architecture.
WindPad 100A: MSI’s WindPad 110A features ARM Cortex-A9 dual core processor architecture and the latest Google Android operating system, giving it plenty of processing power. It also features 1GB DDRII of memory, 802.11 b/g/n wireless, G-Sensor, ALS, and an SSD hard drive with up to 32GB of memory to meet the entertainment needs of users. It tips the scales at 740 grams and offers more than eight hours of battery power.
Complete array of I/O ports: The WindPad 110W and WindPad 100A tablet computers come equipped with a complete array of I/O ports, including an SD card reader, USB port, and mini HDMI slot, supporting the largest number of external devices, from printers and projectors to mouses, keyboards, and flash drives. And if you’re looking to kick up your multimedia experience a few notches, you can connect your tablet to any size HDTV screen or surround sound stereo.
MSI WindPad tablets come with complete array of I/O ports
Multimedia that will knock your socks off
Wide screen, dual cam lenses double your visual pleasure: The WindPad 110W and WindPad 100A tablets have 10-inch, 1280*800, rich color, IPS wide-screen displays. Not only are the screens completely viewable from every angle, they provide high resolution video, making them ideal for such applications as graphics work, surfing the Internet, and checking out photo details. These tablets also come with dual cams, one on the front, and one on the back, so whether you’re shooting a video, taking pictures, or using them in concert with the mobile communication software, you can engage in high-quality conference calls with business associates, friends, or family anytime, anywhere.
SRS wrap around sound: The WindPad 110W and 100A come with new generation SRS PC Sound™ wrap around sound to expand the overall sound field, so whether you use the internal speakers, external ones, or ear phones, you get an unprecedented, natural, true-to-life surround sound experience when you finally get a well deserved break from your school or office work.
Most complete assortment of practical applications
MSI Easy Face biometric software: The WindPad 110W tablet computer features MSI’s own facial recognition software which works in concert with the high definition webcams to protect data biometrically. It employs your unique facial features to remember your passwords, so you don’t have to.
MSI EasyViewer photo manager: The WindPad 110W comes with EasyViewer photo management software, so you can use your finger to enlarge, reduce, and rotate photos. Sharing photos with friends and family was never easier.
Office Starter 2010: The WindPad 110W comes pre-loaded with Microsoft’s Office Starter 2010 word processing software, including Office Word 2010 and Office Excel 2010, making your tablet a mobile office. What’s more, in order to meet the needs of mobile workers, the WindPad 110W comes with Adobe Reader, so you can read, print, search, sign, and authenticate PDF files anytime, anywhere. It also comes pre-loaded with Adobe Flash Player to maximize your multimedia experience.
User friendly, one-finger control
Touch control micro-vibration sensor: The WindPad 110W and 100A tablets sport a virtual keyboard design, so you don’t have to relearn how to type and when you’re typing on the screen, a micro-vibration function lets you know that the tablet recognizes that you have hit a key. The micro-vibration feedback makes typing more natural and faster as you don’t have to retype characters that weren’t recognized the first time around.
Easy one-finger control: The WindPad 110W sports MSI’s own Smart Tracker, so you can grip both sides of the tablet and use small finger movements on the hotkeys on the right side of the tablet. Because you can use both hands, your wrists won’t feel discomfort no matter how long you use it. In addition, the user friendly SAS hotkey performs the traditional role of the “Ctrl+Alt+Del” combination to open the Windows Security Window. MSI’s own O-Easy interface offers easier management and use of frequently used functions and software, including turning on/off/adjusting screen brightness, volume, webcam, wireless, mute, and standby mode.

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WonderMedia unveils new Prizm WM8710 SoC for Android tablets

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If you are a fan of Android tablets, a new SoC has been unveiled for the platform called the Prizm WM8710. The SoC is aimed at the entry-level Android tablet market and will also find its way into other devices like Smart TVs, wireless displays, and network projectors as well as Windows CE smartbooks. The platform is optimized for multimedia applications, has an optional MMX-enhanced DSP, and supports hardware video encoding.

The key feature of the device is an energy-efficient ARM 11 core running at 800MHz. The SoC supports full 1080p resolution playback of video and has an OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant graphics processor. It also has a multi-standard 1080p video decoding engine, DDR2/DDR3 DRAM interface. It will also support multiple outputs with HDMI, LVDS, TV-out, DVO, and VGA.
The SoC also supports a flexible networking and peripheral interface and has a hardware security engine as well. It has integrated interfaces for WiFi, 3G, and Bluetooth. WonderMedia will display a Prizm WM8710 tablet reference design kit at Computex along with a selection of innovative media tablets and smartbooks from various makers using the WM8650 platform.

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Fujitsu preparing 7-inch Android tablet for Q3 2011

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Fujitsu has been peddling some tablet style computer for a long time before the iPad hit the market. Many of those machines were convertible notebooks more than the true tablets of today though. My kids’ doctor office used Fujitsu tablet style machines for taking notes in the office for years now. Fujitsu has some tablets that it has been offering for the consumer market like the 10.1-inch screen TH40/D that it showed off not long ago, but that machine didn’t run the Android OS.

DigiTimes tips that Fujitsu is getting a tablet ready for the third quarter of 2011 that will run the Android OS. The tablet is said to have a 7-inch screen and was expected to run the latest version of Android available at that time, thought to be Android 3.1. The tablet is expected to sell for $347 to $694 here in the States. If Fujitsu wants to sell the thing it had better be on the low end of that scale.
To hit the price range targeted the production will be farmed out to Taiwanese ODMs for the build. Exactly which company will build the tablet is unknown at this time. What do you think about Fujitsu offering up a new Android tablet? The market is getting crowded, and I think many will agree that the prices many companies are asking for their Android tablets are more than most want to spend. At $347 I can see it being popular, at $694 its going to be a hard sell.

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Amazon Coyote and Hollywood Tablets on the Docket

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Word is that Amazon is prepping not one, but two new tablets to be released inside 2011. The first is a dual-core tablet by the name of “Coyote” and the second is a quad-core tablet by the name of “Hollywood.” This information comes via tipster to Boy Genius Report, and besides the basics, (names and processor possibilities,) not a whole lot more is known. They’re probably going to be wild and crazy though, as without the need for the Android Market, Amazon will be able to do whatever they like to the Android system placed on their devices – that means no requirements for any pre-loaded apps, for example.

For the processors there’s going to be, if the sources is right, an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor for the entry-level tablet Cyote. For the bigger gun Hollywood there’ll be NVIDIA’s super processor, the king of 2011, NVIDIA T30 “KAL-EL”, quad-core and ready to take all prisoners. Five hundred percent performance increase? Sure, why not? Have a bit more information on that if you please back in our original post back from Mobile World Congress 2011. Just today there was a bit of an update on such a situation – confirmation for 2011 via NVIDIA themselves.
And what of previous rumors? Last we heard of an Amazon Android tablet it was a “Family of Devices” – sound like the same idea? Will these Amazon tablets have anything on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab family? Sort of hard to believe given the awesome feedback on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, what a whopper!

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HTC Puccini 10-inch Android Tablet Leaked

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Behold the HTC version of the 10 inch surfboard – I mean tablet. Everyone’s gotta have a 10-inch Android tablet to compete these days, and HTC is no exception. After sending their HTC Flyer 7-inch tablet to our main man in Euro Chris Davies, they’ve got quite the followup coming up soon in a 10-inch iteration. That is to say if you’re interested in an Android 3.0.1 tablet in the future where Android 3.1 is already released. Oh Honeycomb, whyfor art thou playing on us the same Gingerbread tricks?!

This device is, again, known as the HTC Puccini (for now, anyway,) and is said to be capable of working on an LTE network with Cingular USA. Last we heard of this device it was showing up with AT&T attached to it and was already at that point ready for LTE. This device is also said to support the Scribe Pen as already working on the smaller Flyer tablet. It’s also got what may very well be a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8660 dual core processor and a WXGA resolution (800*1280) display.

Could this be the extra super big EVO we’ve all been waiting for, or is this just another block in the tablet tower? Given the stampedes at CTIA and Mobile World Congress just to see a few tiny HTC items, we’re thinking a Pucciniing we shall go. And what does Puccini mean? Giacomo Puccini was a famous Italian compositor of operas such as Madama Butterfly and La Boheme – a tablet for all of your most excellent creating to be done!

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Pandigital 7-inch Planet Tablet Sees FCC

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Behold another eReader with access to Barnes and Noble Bookstore’s online store full of ebooks. This isn’t the first eBook reader that Pandigital has put out in their manufacturing history, and it’s certainly not the last, but it IS certainly the most recent, and Android IS present upon it. Earlier today we reported that NOOKcolor’s app downloads hit 1 million after only a week online – but that’s apps. Will this Pangitital device have access to the same NOOK Apps store? Given that it comes with “a host” of apps pre-installed, it might be possible.

On the other hand, it’d make a whole lot more sense for this device to be working with the Amazon App store, don’t you think? Having not seen an eReader with Android Market access yet (at least non-hacked-wise,) I’d bank on no market access or Amazon access. The device you’re looking at here is a 7-inch tablet with TFT LCD screen, Wifi access and access to Barnes and Noble for eBooks. The tablet features front and rear-facing camera, HDMI output and even a microphone.
The “Planet” contains a slew of pre-installed apps including Facebook, Dictionary, Antivirus, and OfficeSuite Viewer. Wait, Antivirus? How can that be? I thought handheld devices couldn’t get viruses? Of course they can, young Jedi, they’ve just not seen any big attacks yet. In the very near future we’re going to have to be very attentive potential viral attacks on devices with Android, iOS, and the lot, and Android Community will be your go-to site for updates on such stuff.
Stay safe and stay Android!

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BeBook to release 7-inch Froyo tablet in June

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BeBook, an e-reader manufacturer, has announced that they will release the BeBook live in June. It is a 7-inch (800 x 600) tablet with Android Froyo. It is a little disappointing to see a new tablet being released without Honeycomb, but the price will be $279. That is not bad for someone looking for an entry level tablet.
Other key specs include:

• 1 Ghz Samsung Cortex A8 CPU
• 512MB of SDRAM
• 4GB of internal flash storage
• MicroSD up to 32GB in size
• mini HDMI port
• front-facing 2MP camera for video chat.

Check out the video after the break

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Android Tablet looks like an iPad, runs like a Bot

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Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But a closer look at this tablet may point a copyright violations instead. Made by a company in China, this Android Tablet looks a lot like an iPad. So much so, one has to wonder if it wasn’t back engineered directly from the real McCoy!

The tablet, known as the CM9701 tablet from Shenzhen Careeror Technology, has all similar design functions to the iPad including the black bar which obscures 3G antennas. The case itself is only really missing the Apple logo. But when you boot it up, Android pops up ready to roll. There’s also an Sd card slot which is in the same location as the 3G antennas, which means that the black bar can open to reveal it.
Other than that, according to the FCC tests, the device is listed as a 2.4 Ghz tablet. That leads us to believe it’s a dual-core 1.2 Ghz processor. It also has standard WiFi covering the 802.11(g) and (b) bands as well as frequencies in the 2400 range. Other features include headphone interface, microphone, and a front facing webcam. And although it has cleared the FCC, it’ll be interested to see if it actually will make it into the US market.

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Notion Ink Adam Tablet gets a Honeycomb port

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Man, when we reported earlier this week that Notion Ink was back with more Adam news, we didn’t know they’d be back with a vengeance. But that seems to be the case as we’ve got two more bits of news about the home grown Android Tablet. The first bit of news is that a stalwart Android fan named MrGuy, has managed to port Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) onto his Adam. He’s managed to boot up the system, install all his apps, and troubleshoot OpenGL issues which prompted Force Close. Pretty cool.

Secondly, Notion Ink is reporting that the Dolphin Browser HD will be bundled with the next update later this month. It’ll also come pre-installed on future orders. Notion also announced that starting in June, the Adam project will be working towards 3D gesture detection, Parallel Processing, and support for NEON and PVRTC. Their blog will chronicle all these developments as they have since it’s inception back in 2009.
Notion Ink launched back then in an effort to chronicle the development of an Android tablet from scratch. The result has been a window into the world of Android gadget development, informing readers of the lessons learned step by step. For awhile, though, Notion had been a bit silent, dealing with customer service and ordering issues which left users a bit frustrated. But this past week, stories broke that shows that Notion is on the development trail again thanks to OS updates, Kindle eBook Reader support, and now custom Honeycomb ROM and Dolphin Browser support. So, is Adam once again in the house, or will it continue its quick slide into the pits of no official support and mediocrity once the new wave of tablets is out? We shall see.

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Massive Oversupply of Android Tablets May Result In Excess Inventory

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What’s the difference between the onslaught of Android handsets hitting the market and the Android tablet craze we’ve been seeing recently? Android tablets aren’t selling.
Digitimes is reporting that because of the massive launch of Android tablets this year and 10 more companies getting ready to launch their own versions of these tablets, we could see an excess inventory of these devices in the second half of 2011. Couple in the fact that hardly any of these tablets seem to actually be leaving stores with customers (see Motorola Xoom sales), we could be looking at some nice price drops as stores try to move units.
So why haven’t people been adopting Android tablets like they have their smartphone cousins? I think this has to do with a lot of things, such as horrible marketing, high prices, and most definitely from the hugely successful iPad 2. I wouldn’t expect any one Android tablet to make any sort of dent in the iPad’s market share anytime soon.
As a laptop toting, smarphone junkie, I still haven’t been able to rationalize a tablet purchase for myself. Fearing it would only gather dust in my already crowded gadget life. Oddly enough, in my talks with some of the biggest proponents (fanboys?) of Android tablets, they themselves have yet to purchase one. Go figure.
So what do you guys think? Already picked up and loving your Android tablet? Maybe you’re still waiting for the next big thing? A quad-core tablet maybe? Or perhaps you are patiently waiting for prices to drop before diving into some Honeycomb tablet goodness?

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Android Market gets “Tablet Apps” section

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Google today released a featured tablet applications section in web Android Market. I am not yet sure about its presence on Android Market version on Honeycomb tablets, but it won’t take long to have it.
It is currently showcasing 69 apps right now, which I suppose will increase in the coming days.

 

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Dell's 10-inch Android and Windows tablets get names, specs, release dates

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Well, well, what have we here? A pair of 10-inch Dell tablets, one running Windows 7 on those fancy new Oak Trail chips from Intel and the other pushing Android 3.0 with a Tegra T25. We already saw these devices leaked in February, but now we have some specs and release dates. The Wintel powered Latitude ST boasts a resolution of 1366 x 768, 2GB of RAM, up to a 128GB SSD, GPS, an accelerometer, both front- and rear-facing cameras, an 8-hour removable battery, and "1080p video output," which we assume means HDMI-out. The Android-flavored Streak Pro opts for a 1200 x 800 panel, but keeps the pair of cameras (and two mics) for video chats, while adding an unspecified mobile broadband radio and slathering Dell's Stage UI on top of Honeycomb (whether or not that's a good thing is purely a matter of taste). Pricing is still up in the air, but the leaked roadmap indicates the Streak Pro will land in June, followed by the Latitude XT3 convertible tablet in July, and the Latitude ST in October.  

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