Samsung
Electronics Sept. 2 launched the widely anticipated Galaxy Tab
computer to challenge Apple's iPad in a tablet market set to burst with Android
devices.
The
tablet, unveiled
at the IFA 2010 consumer
electronics show in Berlin, sports a TFT-LCD 7-inch screen and
runs Google's Android 2.2 operating system.
The
machine weighs 13.4 ounces and is powered by a Cortex A8 1-GHz processor. The
device sports a modest 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash.
Just
as Apple conceived its iPad as a major multimedia consumption gadget, Samsung
views the Galaxy Tab as a window into video content, electronic reading and
document sharing.
Samsung
has created its own e-reading application dubbed the Readers Hub, as well as a
Media Hub app for film and video and Music Hub app for songs. The gadget's
4,000 mAh battery allows 7 hours of movie playing.
Unlike
the iPad, Galaxy Tab supports Adobe's Flash 10.1 multimedia application and
enables video chat, thanks to a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.
The
tablet also enables access to Google Apps such as Google Maps Navigation
turn-by-turn GPS directions, Google Voice Search and Google Goggles visual search. The
device will also support augmented reality apps.
Galaxy
Tab comes standard with 16GB of internal memory but scales to 32GB external
memory. To keep users online, Galaxy Tab supports 3G/HSPA connectivity, 802.11n
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0.
The
device, whose pricing will likely be about $300, depending on carriers, is
slated to launch in Europe in mid-September.
Samsung
expects to sell it in the United States, Korea and Asia in the coming months, with the
company planning an evening launch event Sept. 16 in New York City.
Boy
Genius Report reported Aug. 31 that Verizon Wireless will be one of the Galaxy
Tab carriers.
The
Galaxy Tab will have steep competition. ViewSonic is rolling out
its ViewPad 7 at the IFA show.
Archos
has introduced not one but five tablet computers based on Android
2.2 that will start rolling out later this month and into October.
Dell
has also thrown its Android offering into the mix with its Streak tablet/smartphone hybrid device.
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