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VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line
Tablet control for HTPCs is nothing new to VidaBox, but with users quickly buying up tablets of their own it's switched focus from the proprietary vPad and $2,600 TouchClient to wider compatibility through web apps. This iPad control interface demonstrated at the Asian Pacific CEDIA Expo, lets users browse and control their Media Center PC's videos and music with cover art and related information right in the palm of their hands. Built on the company's vAutomation 2.0 platform the software can control other connected devices including lights and cable boxes, while integration with online sources like Rhapsody and Pandora is also in the works. The iPad version is scheduled to make it to dealers and integrators in Q3 and its web based roots should make Android or other platform support a snap, though you will need to own one of the company's systems to take advantage. %Gallery-96269%
iiView Vpad enters today's tablet fray with yesterday's netbook specs
iiView's already shown that it's not one to avoid a trend, and it's now hopped on the biggest one going with its new 10.2-inch Vpad tablet. Unfortunately, it seems that the company isn't as quick to update the specs as the form factor, as this one only packs some of the most basic, netbook-like internals, including an Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and Windows 7 Starter Edition for an OS. That will set you back $499, while $699 will buy you a slightly upgraded model with built-in 3G, an extra gig of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive. A bit of a tough sell in today's tablet market, to be sure, but you can place your order for one right now if it happens to strike your fancy.
VidaBox's 10.4-inch vPad controls your home
This one's been around the block for a bit, but it's just now managed to sneak up on us. The VidaBox vPad comes from the same firm offering up those swank CableCARD-equipped HTPCs, and this home controller shares that very same pizazz. The 10.4-inch tablet rocks a 1,024 x 768 resolution panel, integrated 802.11b WiFi, a built-in speaker and a rechargeable Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours. As expected, this unit enables owners to control multi-room audio, climate zones, security cameras, garage doors and WiFi-enabled toasters, we presume. 'Course, you'll need Mirage software for VidaBox control or your own home automation hardware to really take advantage of the vPad, and unfortunately, we've no pricing / release details to share just yet.[Thanks, JoeyChina]
