Dell Streak official: exclusive to O2 UK (update: launches on June 4)
By Vlad Savov 
posted May 25th 2010 5:00AM
posted May 25th 2010 5:00AM
We got a chance to play with it during a briefing in London recently, and frankly, aside from the snazzier paintjob, there's nothing new to report. Just like the prototype unit we've previewed to exhaustion, the device on hand was running Android 1.6 and Dell's skinning team hadn't yet laid on the goodies that we've been promised. The battery is the same 1,530mAh cell as before, and we even managed to get the browser to crash in the exact same fashion that our own Streak exhibits on occasion. Now that's consistency. We're not being told the specific Android version that the Streak will ship with, but a couple of flavors are being mulled over right now. Till we get more info, we suggest sitting back, relaxing, and perusing the gallery below for the roaring red number that's currently on show. It won't be available at launch -- you can have any color so long as it's black -- but "a range of colors and designs" will swiftly follow to sate any aesthetic concerns. Video and full press release after the break.
Update: The Carphone Warehouse listing for the Streak shows Android 1.6 as the OS with an "OTA upgrade available soon." Pair that with word direct from Dell that Android 2.2 and Flash 10.1 are coming "later this year," and you can connect your own dots [Thanks, Azza].
Update 2: O2's website now has a precise date for us: June 4.
DELL STREAK TABLET ENTICES PEOPLE TO WATCH, SURF, CONNECT, LISTEN, AND PLAY ON 5" OF POWER AND PORTABILITY
· Streak to launch early June in the UK exclusively on O2
· Available at O2 stores, O2.co.uk, The Carphone Warehouse and later next month at Dell.co.uk
· U.S. availability to arrive later this summer
BRACKNELL, UK - May 25, 2010 – Today, Dell released plans for Streak, a 5-inch Android™-based Tablet designed to provide people the best "on-the-go" entertainment, social connection, and navigation experience. Early this June the Dell Streak will be available across the UK at O2 stores, O2.co.uk, The Carphone Warehouse, and later in the month at Dell.co.uk. Pricing and data plans for the UK will be announced by O2 ahead of availability. Later this summer, Dell plans to make Streak available in the U.S.
The Dell Streak is a compact and powerful companion for people who want to expand their ability to access their digital lives on the go, and realize tomorrow's technology today. The spacious 5-inch screen is ideal for experiencing thousands of Android Market™ widgets, games and applications, all without squinting or compromising portability. Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and available 3G connectivity brings easy access for downloading and listening to music, updating social networking status in real-time, and staying connected to friends and family through e-mail, text, IM, and voice calls.
On-the-go students, mobile professionals, and active families will find Streak's web-browsing capabilities as natural as a laptop. The 5-inch screen is large enough to present Web pages in their natural form, create a comfortable viewing experience, and make turn-by-turn navigation simple and safe. The Dell Streak leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon™ solution with integrated 1GHz processor to combine basic functionality, performance, and benefits of a laptop in a pocket friendly size.
"The Dell Streak hits the sweet spot between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets," said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions Group. "Its unique size provides people new ways to enjoy, connect, and navigate their lives."
The Dell Streak was designed with the future in mind and will support over-the-air updates including platform upgrades, Adobe Flash 10.1 on Android™ 2.2 later this year, video chat applications and other software innovations.
Dell is a member of the Open Handset Alliance™ (OHA), a group of technology and mobile companies working together to accelerate innovation in mobility. Together, the OHA created Android, the first complete, open, and free mobile platform to provide people a richer, less expensive, and better mobile experience.
Key Features:
* Integrated Google Maps™ with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
· A full screen browsing experience with a 5-inch capacitive multi-touch WVGA display
· Easily integrated social media apps: Twitter™, Facebook, YouTube
· High resolution 5 MP camera, VGA front facing camera, removable battery, built-in Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity options
· 2GB* of internal dedicated storage provides plenty of space to access and download Google Android Market's many options
· Packaged with cushions made from 100 percent sustainable, compostable bamboo
Specifications:
* Android platform complete with Android Market and Dell user interface enhancements
* ARM-based Processor: Qualcomm's powerful and efficient Snapdragon chipset and software platform with integrated 1GHz processor
* 3G + WiFi + Bluetooth
* UMTS / GPRS / EDGE class 12 GSM radio with link speeds of up to HSDPA 7.2 Mbps* / HSDPA
* 5 MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash. Easy point, shoot, and uploads to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook and more
* User accessible Micro SD expandable memory available up to 32 GB*. Store up to 42 movies* or 32,000 photos*, or 16,000 songs* with 32GB* Micro SD
Follow conversations in the blogosphere: #DellStreak
Key Links:
Images: www.dell.com/photos
Dell: www.dell.co.uk
O2: www.O2.co.uk
The Carphone Warehouse: www.carphonewarehouse.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dell
About Dell:
Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to its customers and uses that insight to make technology simpler and create innovative solutions that simplify daily activities and help people stay entertained, connected and in touch. Learn more at www.dell.com.
There's my new phone.
@Dunhamzzz they'd prefer it if you didn't call it a phone.
@Dunhamzzz HELLO!? I'M ON THE BUS!!!
@fpad77 Haha, that was my joke!
@Dunhamzzz
I thought the EVO was huge with 4,3 inches but for this one here you'll need an extra bag to carry it around. Or some really big pockets, or a geeky belt clip...
On the other hand, though, rumor has it that there are people running around with their fingers around 10 inch fruit flavoured slates. So I guess 5 inches should be OK.
@Dunhamzzz
holy crap has anything ever been so S.E.X.Y
@Dunhamzzz That behemoth of a scream made me think it was a tablet. Until I saw the other pictures.
@fpad77 NO, IT'S RUBBISH.
@Dunhamzzz But's with the Music in the video?
@thisNthat
Yeah that's my biggest gripe with this device. The iPhone is the biggest phone I have ever owned and it's pretty much already at the limit of how big a phone I want to carry around. I think a phone like the HD2 or EVO would by my absolute maximum, size-wise. Otherwise, it's a killer device.
@thisNthat Yep. Actually, that's the 1st reaction of people who have the chance to review it. Although it turns out it will be ok. Question is, why O2? Been waiting for this one, since its beta stage. http://j.mp/mini-5-tablet-by-dell
@Dunhamzzz After snooping around I found this: http://www.o2.co.uk/dellstreak
Coming 4th of June to be precise :)
I think at some point we ara going to reach a point where people say enough is enough with the bigger screens already. 4.5....4.7....5"? I'm all for more real estate, but at what size will be the general publics breaking point be, when a huge smartphone screen won't sell?!?
@Dunhamzzz : I want the 7 inch "Looking Glass"! Please release it or the unicorns will die. :|
@fpad77 NAH, ITS RUBBISH!
@Dunhamzzz
Just wondering something, I see it has 3 hard buttons at the bottom, is that by any chance a stake in the not yet released WM7? I wouldn't be surprised if Dell released this with 2 different OS just to maximise profit and it does meet MS specs for having the home, return and the 3rd button.
If it does release it with 2 OS, regardless of its size, it will sell like hot cake (Price pending!).
Hello Tablet Phone, Phone, Tablet, mini Tablet. Huge Phone, whatever we call you, whats up?
@AlienSix
WANT. 8|
No, no, no. You blew it. Its supposed to be:
You got a tablet in my phone! You got a phone in my tablet!
And then we all rejoice, for the awesomest phone AT&T has ever seen is finally official (though AT&T has yet to admit to it).
@BigJayDogg3 My conspiracy theory, Dell went to UK & EU first so that they can get the reputation up before AT&T tries to cripple the mini 5" (sorry, I prefer that name to the Streak). Well, at least hopefully that's part of their plan if they are also thinking that AT&T has some requests before subsidizing said device.
@AlienSix i think it looks like a big BB Storm but maybe thats just me
@SteveyAyo
So Steve Jobs wearing a black shirt somewhere is breaking news but an actual release of this product is not?
I wish I got paid product ad revenue too...
I'm very intrested in this as I'm using my iPhone more as a mini computer than a phone will check this out
2 Thumbs Up to Dell for stepping it up!So sweet!! Me salivating on that orange candy! Want one,
@hero785
I'll wait for the rest of Dell's lineup to come and see and that means more choice for me! Oh Dell had me at Streak!
Dell when are you gonna rock froyo?
@AlienSix When are you going to be CDMA and/or 4g capable?
Oh god, O2? They charge so much for such terrible plans.... well, looks like its going to be a no for me, shame, cos this thing looks fucking awesome/is a hackers delight
@Spaldinggreat My thoughts exactly. Wtf do companies strike exclusive deals with O2? They're the worst network for 3G coverage too.
@r3loaded
True, but in general, why would you kill sales and give consumers less choice in the first place?
I feel ike HTC and SE with the Desire and X10 here in the UK have done the best thing. You could pick up either one on any carrier. Result? They are selling fast. I went to see the Desire in Carphone warehouse shop and they were out (again)!
@(Unverified)
Hopefuly CPW will sell these unlocked, if not will wait till it pops up on Dells site.
Been holding out for this one, the time is near. I strongly advise buying from Dell, O2 will take ages to ship 2.2 and if you live in London, forget using 3G.
Since when was the UK not a part of Europe and why was I not informed?!
@zer0basis England and Europe have always been different countries you moron.
@The Joker dude, please tell me you're not being serious
@The Joker Wow, I feel stupid. I always thought Europe was a continent.
@The Joker I hope you are joking Joker?
@The Joker LOL, this comment is a gem of dumbness.
Please don't send it to Oblivion people :D
@The Joker Get a clue, moran!
I hoping to see what the Engadget app would look like on the streak, but sure enough when the icon is pressed the video stops.
@derekdevine Hope you've seen this: http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/dell-streak-shows-what-the-engadget-app-can-do-with-a-5-inch-scr/
Too big to be a phone, and too small to be an effective tablet IMO.
@mukatuna I was gonna say the exact same thing. A tablet should have at least 7 Inch. Fail, Dell!
Although it looks sexy and has all the right hardware, it would seem much too large, or not large enough to be of much practical use. It won't fit in most pockets, and if it won't fit in my pocket, I want something bigger.
@Evileclipse I actually think this may be just barely able to fit into the pockets I have on my suits and those are the smallest pockets I have...if this ends up fitting in the store I am going to have to get it.
disclaimer - im a dell employee
@Evileclipse
While it is true it won't fit in most pants pockets, it fits in most jacket pockets (including mine) and, for the ladies, it fits in a purse. Any larger and it won't.
@Evileclipse
Gotta hand it to them. They managed to find the sweet size that makes it undesirable for nearly everyone! FAIL-tastic.
This late, and still 1.6? The least Dell should do is tell us when this will get 2.2. I was interested in this, but now I'm going to hold off until Dell officially put out 2.2 for this, just in case the release a Streak 2 with 2.2 (or newer) and abandon this one stuck with 1.6.
@pika2000 I agree. Phone manufactures (or tablets) need to treat their devices as platforms ready for the newest software. These are mini-computers and I wouldn't buy a computer with Windows 95 installed with the promise that Windows 7 might be available soon.
So until Dell provides the modern Android, I'll wait. Hopefully not too long, I could make use of this device.
That make one huge ass phone. In one photo it's almost as big as the user's face.
Why, why, why do companies now suddenly think that releasing phones / tablets / whatever exclusively on one carrier is a good idea? It severely hurts your adoption rates, as a lot of people are simply unwilling / unable to change carrier.
This is what I really hate the iPhone for - this fecking exclusivity trend.