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Google is developing a tablet with Verizon
FOLLOWING NEWS that Google's Android software has got Apple so scared that it has had to deny that smartphones running the OS are giving its Iphone a good kicking, it looks like Google will be going after Apple's tablet next.
The Wall Street Journal, the financial rag that thinks photography is a technology step too far, has run a story saying that Verizon Wireless is working with Google on a tablet computer.
Verizon's chief executive, Lowell McAdam, said that the move is targeted to disrupt AT&T's alliance with Jobs' Mob.
Verizon Wireless carries the Motorola Droid smartphone, which runs Google's Android operating system.
McAdam said Verizon is looking at all the things Google has in its software inventory that the US mobile network operator could put on a tablet to make it a great experience.
He didn't say when a Google tablet might come to market and a Google spokesperson would not say either.
But the search engine outfit is working with hardware makers and carriers to create lightweight computers that run Android as part of a cunning plan to spur the adoption of its online software and advertising system through its own partnerships.
McAdam admitted that Verizon has some catching up to do in the field. AT&T is also the carrier for Amazon.com's Kindle e-book reader and Apple's Ipad.
The telco has been crippled by its CDMA network technology, which is less common than AT&T's GSM, but the Verizon executive said his company will have devices ready to show early next year once its new network is in place. µ
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You say Verizon is "crippled by its CDMA network technology"? That's pretty clueless. Verizon has by far the best network in the USA.
Hopefully Google is looking at things like:
- Battery life (must be 10 hrs or greater to compete with the eye-pad).
- Ebook use (use little power, and have a reflective-mode display option for reading Ebooks).
- Eyestrain (use a reflective-mode option to prevent damage and eyestrain to users reading Ebooks or text online, and avoid the class-action eye-damage lawsuits which may be on the horizon for manufacturers selling backlit-only LCDs or OLEDs for the purpose of reading Ebooks...hence the "eye-pad" moniker).
- Sunlight readability. Backlit LCDs (and OLEDs) usually crank up the power in an attempt to be visible in sunlight.
All four of these factors are related to the screen. If Google sensibly adopts a Pixel Qi screen (which I understand are shipping to manufacturers now), they can address all of these issues, and still retain the ability to display color (or monochrome) video with a very high refresh rate, making the Android experience enjoyable in all lighting conditions.
Multitasking power, flash, better (user-replaceable) battery life, memory-expansion via microSD, better I/O, and a great easy-on-the-eyes screen that is usable indoors or out would clearly differentiate the HTC/Google tablet from other fruit-themed alternatives (in addition to the present ability to print using the Android "Printershare" app).
Chromium OS, surely!
Also make that an ARM based dual core cpu and include HDMI. If they put an Atom in this thing I think I'll throw up. Give me a Tegra 2 and an Otter box cover and my money = yours. :)
If they add USB 3.0 ports support, 2 micro SD slots, VOIP capable, wireless/blue tooth capable, good video acceleration with a non glossy LED/LCD screen and a very efficient dualcore cpu; make it light weight; with that maybe they'll have a better ICrap alternative - sell it like for like $500 to $600. Ohh I forgot... make it pretty to the eyes too so it can sell like the ICrap. But maybe I'm just dreaming lol or asking for too much!
Regards