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BARCELONA, Spain—Computer maker Acer has followed up the January release of the low-end 8GB Iconia BI tablet with the debut at Mobile World Congress of a 16GB edition, targeted at young or new users or families looking for an additional tablet for their children.
The 7-inch tablet offers a triangular corner grip on the lower left side to improve single-hand usage and weighs in at a light 320 grams. The device combines a Mediatek 1.2GHz dual-core processor with Google Android’s Jelly Bean operating system. For many search queries performed through VoiceSearch, users can now hear a spoken answer.
Features include wireless connectivity by way of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth wireless technology 4.0, GPS capabilities, a 3.5mm headset, headphone and microphone jack, an internal speaker a microSD expansion slot with up to 32GB support a front-facing 0.3-megapixel webcam, a rechargeable 2,710 mAh battery and micro-USB (charging and PC connect) with USB 2.0 technology.
The camera, located on the top right corner, works also when in landscape mode, allowing other contacts to get into the picture during a video chat. Other pre-loaded features include the recently updated smart mobile app Google Currents, which allows users to discover, read and share their favorite news outlets, blogs and online magazines on the 7-inch WSVGA (1,024 x 600) capacitive display, even if they’re offline.
A company release noted the Iconia B1-A71 16GB is available currently in Europe, Middle East and Africa with a starting price of $183, though it is unknown when or if the tablet will ever reach American shores.
Prior to the convention, the company showed off the Liquid E1 and the Liquid Z2 Android-based handsets. The Liquid E1 features a large 4.5-inch quarter-high-definition (qHD) display, dual-core processor, and two speakers with DTS sound for volume maximization. A Float Caller notification feature reduces interruptions from incoming calls and messages by displaying a notification window that pops up and lets users take calls or reply with quick messages.
The entry-level Liquid Z2 features a quick-mode navigation tool, a 1GHz processor and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a 3.5-in. display. Other features include a 3MP or 5MP camera that launches in just 1 second, panoramic and multi-angle modes, and continuous shooting (up to 99 shots). The speakers are also equipped with Sound Retrieval System (SRS) technology, which is designed to deliver greater clarity and deeper bass.
Targeted at feature phone upgraders, first-time and multimedia users, the handsets sport a new industrial design in Pearl White and Carbon Black and dual SIM cards, and will initially be available in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Ukraine, followed by Russia, the U.K. and Italy, though specific dates were not set.