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ViewSonic ViewPad G70 with ICS launching at MWC?
Word on the street is ViewSonic's getting ready to unveil a fresh, ICS-equipped 7-inch tablet at MWC (along with everyone else). The ViewPad G70, which would be a follow-up to that budget-friendly E70 we showed you at CES, is rumored to carry a slightly heavier $350 price tag than its sibling. While the slate's best feature could be Google's 4.0 treat, ViewSonic's also purportedly hoping you'll be enchanted by some more humdrum specs, including a 1024 x 600 display, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 3G radio. We'll know more once Mobile World Congress gets rolling, and you know we'll be taking it for a spin as soon as we get a chance.
Acer Iconia Tab family to be given Ice Cream Sandwich treatment, rolling out to A200 now
Acer's revealed that it'll be bringing Android's latest and greatest version to its existing tablet family. The update is rolling out (as promised) on the Iconia Tab A200 now, but version 4.0 will also make an appearance on both its seven inch (Iconia A100) and 10 inch (Iconia A500) relatives in April. The update adds all those ICS features, including refreshed widget design and improved multitasking, but leaves the manufacturer's own Android addition -- the Acer launcher ring -- intact.
Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), offers Ice Cream Sandwich on a seven-inch platter (Updated: video)
It looks like Samsung has just taken the wraps off its latest tablet offerings, with the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) -- an ICS-laced follow-up to the company's original seven-incher. Available in both 3G and WiFi varieties, this redux doesn't mark a huge departure from its predecessor, packing a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 1024 x 600 LCD. The big changes, however, come in the software department, with the Galaxy Tab 2 shipping with Android 4.0 straight out of the box. Other than that, you'll find a three-megapixel rear-facing camera, a VGA shooter up front, Bluetooth capabilities, and HSPA+ connectivity. No word yet on pricing or availability, but it's worth noting that we first saw this announcement hit Samsung's RSS feed earlier this morning, and it appears to have been pulled since then. It all looks awfully official to us, but when it becomes officially official, we'll be sure to update this post accordingly. Until then, be sure to head past the break for a shot of its backside. Update: Samsung has just issued an official press release for today's announcement, specifying that the device will launch first in the UK, beginning in March. Price remains a mystery, but you can find more information in the full release, after the break. Update 2: After the break, you'll also find the keynote announcement as recorded by dotekmánie.
Rhapsody music streaming lands on Android tablets with 'magazine-style' app
If you use Rhapsody to satisfy your $10-per-month musical appetite, then here's another way to digest. The service can now be accessed through an app tailored to Android slates, featuring music discovery tools like expert playlists and guides, original editorial content, and exclusive recordings -- all on top of a 14 million song catalog. You'll need Honeycomb or ICS plus a minimum nine-inch display to run it though, so all you HTC Flyer, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and other 'handy pad' owners will have to stick to the phone version. More details in the PR after the break.
Verizon-bound ZTE V66 slate gets photographed, looks just like you imagined
It wasn't long ago that we first crossed paths with the ZTE V66 tablet, though at the time we were unfortunate to only meet its dull black-and-white renders. Those of you unfamiliar with the tab won't have your jaws dropped by its innards, which are expected to be missing out on the Ice Cream Sandwich treatment. Aside from the OS letdown (still, it's not as bad as shipping with Gingerbread), the V66 is pretty standard fare for a modern tablet. It'll be running on Verizon's speedy LTE network, sporting a 7-inch (1,280 x 800) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 4,000mAh battery will help keep it chugging along. We've yet to hear an official word from the Big Red about price and availability, so we'll let you know how deep into your wallet you'll have to dig as soon as we find out.
ZTE Light Tab 2 hits the UK next month for £235, still runs Android 2.3
ZTE may have shown off a 7-inch tablet running Android 4.0 at CES, but the company still has a bit of a backlog of previously announced devices to actually push out the door. The latest to resurface is the ZTE V9A Light Tab 2, which we first saw at Mobile Asia Congress back in November, and is now confirmed to be hitting the UK in late February for £235 (VAT included), which should translate to something less than the $365 direct conversion if it ever lands in the US. That buys you a 7-inch capacitive screen, a 1.4GHz single-core processor, WiFi and 3G connectivity, front and rear-facing cameras, and Android 2.3 for an OS (with no word on a possible ICS upgrade). Those curious for more can find the complete specs from retailer Clove at the link below.
Transformer Prime quietly gets GPS update, root killer
If you're not quite ready to take up ASUS on its refund offer (or if you simply don't live in the UK), you're probably holding out for additional updates to dry your tears. Fortunately, Asus hasn't forgotten about you and your ilk. Early this morning, the Transformer Prime quietly received an OTA update that not only unroots the tablet, but also kicks the slab's GPS version up to 6.9.13. The folks on the XDA developers forums have restored their roots easily enough, and seem to be reaping the benefits of updated GPS drivers, as well. Engadget's own tests lean on the positive side -- lounging indoors, in a spot where GPS reception was previously all-dark, we snagged sight of 12 satellites on a freshly rebooted Prime with WiFi disabled. Although the response seems generally positive on the XDA developers forums, not everybody is seeing our success. Either way, this update certainly didn't make things worse; a step in the right direction to be sure.
Samsung to release Galaxy Tab 7.0N in Germany, with new form factor
Samsung has yet to receive a verdict on its lawsuit-circumventing Galaxy Tab 10.1N, but the manufacturer apparently feels pretty confident about its chances. Today, Samsung announced a new, Germany-specific version of its Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, with the launch of the Galaxy Tab 7.0N. Slated to hit the market later this month, this seven-inch slate features many of the same specs you'll find on its Honeycomb-coated predecessor, save for a front-facing speaker upgrade and, of course, a redesigned form factor. For now, it's only slated to launch in Germany, where it'll retail for about €600 (about $770).
Acer Iconia Tab A200 hands-on (video)
Here at CES, you'd expect little 'ol Tegra 2 to get lost in the mix amid the Medfield prototypes, Windows 8 samplers and quad-core Tegra 3 devices. Not necessarily -- not if the price is right, anyway. The Acer Iconia Tab A200 packs NVIDIA's last-gen SoC, and no, it's not the slimmest or lightest tablet on the block, but for $330 you get a 10-inch slate on the brink of an ICS update. That counts for something, right? We'd say so, especially if Ice Cream Sandwich does indeed correct some of the sluggishness that's plagued Honeycomb tablets (even Tegra 3-powered ones). We got a few minutes of hands-on time with it today, and though we can't speak to potential deal-breakers like battery life or everyday usability, we came away feeling that all of the sacrifices Acer made in order to hit that $330 price are quite reasonable. Take the build quality, for instance. Although the A200 trades the A500's aluminum backing for plastic, it still has a soft, slightly textured finish that feels pleasant to touch and also makes cradling the thing that much more comfortable. It's noticeably chunkier than the Transformer Primes of the world but then again, it's also one of the few tablets with a USB 2.0 port, which would help explain the thickness. The 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) display is the same middling one you'll find on the A500; it doesn't compare to the A700's 1080p screen, but its relatively narrow viewing angles won't be an issue when you're streaming Netflix by your lonesome. It's missing a rear-facing camera, but do you really mind? (At this price, we don't.) And though you don't need the so-called Acer Ring for launching apps, it's an easy to use UI that manages not to get in your way. For now, this could be a tempting deal for people who don't have $500 to spend, but after seeing other companies tease their wares here at CES, we're concerned that the price wars haven't yet hit a plateau. We know, we know: there's always going to be something faster, thinner and better, but in this case, that something better might cost less too. Take ASUS, for instance: the company is readying a 7-inch, quad-core tablet that will cost just $249. If this is where the market is headed (and recent remarks by NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang suggest it is), who knows how inexpensive Tegra 2 / 3 tablets will get over the coming months? The A200 seems fine for what it is; we just wonder if perhaps it's a transitional product, with a transitional price. Update: To clarify, the A200 starts at $330 with 8GB of storage, as previously reported. The higher-end version has 16GB, and will sell for $350. Billy Steele contributed to this report.
Ice Cream Sandwich to hit Eee Pad Transformer in February, says Asus
Eagerly awaiting that sweet Ice Cream Sandwich update for your original Eee Pad Transformer? Keep waiting. Asus recently told Android Police that the classic Transforming tablet wouldn't be getting its ICS update until early February. The statement came shortly after a mix up on Asus' Singapore Facebook page that mistakenly claimed the update was arriving this week. Bummer? For sure, but at least you'll get to practice the gadget lover's most valued virtue: patience.
Intel demos Lenovo-made Medfield IdeaPad K2110 tablet running Ice Cream Sandwich (eyes-on)
Intel's smartphone reference design wasn't the only Medfield-based device on display here at CES. Wandering around Chipzilla's sprawling demo area, we also spotted an unnamed, 10-inch tablet made by Lenovo. And unlike that handset, this is a product that will ship in more or less the form we're seeing it today. Unfortunately, though, we were strictly forbidden from actually touching the thing. For now, at least, we know what lies beneath that 1366 x 768 display. In addition to a 32nm low-power Atom processor, it has NFC, WiFi (natch) and a battery rated for 10 hours of active use and 30 days of standby. As with the smartphone, Intel is really keen on talking up Medfield's graphics muscle, and we were once again treated to a series of gaming and application demonstrations. Watch the video for yourself, but we couldn't for the life of us see any stutter in that app walk-through: both 3D rendering and gestures like pinch to zoom seemed silky smooth from where we were sitting. So, what say you? Impressed?
Leader International does Android 4.0 on the cheap with Impresion 10A, 7A tablets
It might still be a little early to name the big trend of CES 2012, but it's already clear that there's one thing we'll be seeing plenty of: inexpensive Android tablets. Little known Leader International is one of the latest to enter the fray, announcing its new Impression 10A and Impression 7A tablets. Those will set you back $299 and $179, respectively, with each running Android 4.0, and the more expensive model packing a 9.7-inch IPS display and a 1GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor (as opposed to an unnamed 1GHz processor on the 7-incher). According to the company, you can look for both to be available at "major retailers" by the end of Q1.
Comcast lights up AnyPlay for in-home live TV iPad streaming, Xoom support 'coming soon'
Comcast was "close" back in September, but it looks as if today's the day. The pay-TV provider is enabling Xfinity TV customers to peek their favorite dramas and drama queens on the iPad, with any channel in your subscription available for viewing. We're told that support for Motorola's Xoom is "coming soon," but as with other AnyPlay setups, you'll need to be in or around the home to take advantage. As of now, AnyPlay's only available gratis to Xfinity HD Triple Play customers in areas of Denver and Nashville, but more markets are planned for the coming months. The company also confirmed last night's news from the Microsoft CES 2012 keynote that it'll be bringing On Demand content to Xbox 360, as well as our leak that it'll be cruising over to Samsung's connected TVs. Ready to get going? Hop a flight to one of those two cities and dip into the source links below.
ASUS Eee Pad MeMO ME171, ME370T and high-end Transformer Prime TF700T revealed
Flustered with the original Transformer Prime you just purchased? We'd advise you to have a seat. ASUS just took the wraps off an all new Transformer Prime (the TF700T) here at CES, which is presumably designed to rival Acer's newly-announced Iconia Tab A700. Notably, this guy won't be an outright replacement for the existing TF201 model; it's simply an upmarket alternative for those tired of the same specs over and over again. Speaking of, let's dive under the hood of this one, shall we? It's a 10.1-incher with NVIDIA's Tegra 3 within (1.3GHz quad-core Cortex A9), a Super IPS+ / Gorilla Glass 10.1-inch display with a downright silly 1,920 x 1,200 resolution (watch out, Lenovo!) and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage space. There's also an 8 megapixel rear camera / 2 megapixel front-facing cam, support for 1080p playback, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a micro-HDMI port, microSD card reader, a 25WHr Lithium-Polymer battery and a chassis that weighs just over a pound. It'll ship with Android 4.0.1 onboard (yeah, that's Ice Cream Sandwich), and will be compatible with the exact same keyboard dock as the existing Prime. Needless to say, ASUS is aiming for the stars with a build sheet like this, and the $599 to $699 retail price points enable you to know it. It'll land next quarter here in North America, and no, there's no GPS functionality listed on the spec sheet after the break; though we've been informed that this new Prime will come with a new back panel design (pictured after the break) that should enhance WiFi, BT and GPS performance. Moving onto more diminutive offerings, the Eee Pad MeMO (ME171) that we saw months ago is getting a formal reveal here in Las Vegas, boasting a 7-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) IPS capacitive touchpanel, a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm 8260 processor, a gigabyte of memory, 16GB / 32GB of storage, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 1.2 megapixel front / 5 megapixel rear camera (with 1080p recording), an A-GPS sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor and a micro-USB port. There's a 4,400mAh Li-polymer battery reportedly good for some 8.5 hours of video playback, and it'll be Android 4.0.1 running the show. The unit checks in with dimensions of 7.8- x 4.6- x 0.50-inches (and a weight of 14.2 ounces), and while mum's the word on price (sadly), it'll supposedly ship in Q2 to North American adobes.
Le Pan rolls out a trio of Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich tablets for penny pinchers
Ice Cream Sandwich on a budget? That's what Le Pan is promising at CES today, with a trio of new tablets. The higher end of the two is the Le Pan III, an Android 4.0-laced slate that's powered by a 1.5GHz, dual-core TI-OMAP 4460 processor, with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. This Bluetooth 4.0-enabled device also comes with a five-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front-facing shooter, and supports 1080p video output. Joining the Le Pan II is the TC978, which features just about the same specs, save for a slightly lower octane (1GHz) processor, and the lack of a five-megapixel camera. The Le Pan II, meanwhile, ships with Android 3.2 Honeycomb rather than Ice Cream Sandwich, but can make the jump to 4.0 with a simple upgrade. The device features a 9.7-inch display at 1024 x 768 resolution and is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, but the rest of its specs are just about identical to those of the TC978. No word yet on when the Le Pan III and TC978 will hit the market, but the Le Pan II is already available on Amazon for $300. You can grab it now at the link below, or head past the break for a spoonful of PR.
Pantech Element for AT&T specifications confirmed: 1.5GHz CPU, Android 3.2, 4G LTE radio
We've had bits and pieces of information trickling in about the unfazed-by-trickles Pantech Element, but the whole load of specifications just showed up on our doorstep. The waterproof 8-inch slate (16.6 ounces) will start slipping out to retail shops starting today, with a two-year contract price of $299.99 and an off-contract charge of $449.99. Those tallies will net you a 4G LTE / HSPA+ enabled device, powered by Android 3.2 and a 1.5GHz processor. There's also 16GB of inbuilt storage, a microSD expansion slot, haptic feedback, a handful of preloaded applications (AT&T Messages, Enzo Pinball, Sketchpad and Photo Frame) and compatibility with a couple of data plans; there's the $35 / month (3GB) option for those on a contract, or the $14.99 / month (250MB) and $25 / month (2GB) alternatives for those operating sans strings attached. For those waltzing into an AT&T shop to snag one, don't be shocked if you're pressured to pick up an $85 Body Glove case or a $20 screen protector -- because, you know, the waterproof shell just isn't quite good enough on its own.
Toshiba AT200 tablet coming to the US as the Excite X10, starting at $530 for 16GB
When Toshiba said its skinny AT200 tablet wouldn't be available until January, anyone with a casual interest in gadgets could have guessed that meant a splashy CES launch was in order. Sure enough, everyone's favorite trade show has rolled around, and the company is finally ready to talk pricing and availability, four months after it first announced the thing. As we've suspected for some time now, it'll go on sale in the US under the name "Excite" (Excite X10, to be exact), starting at $530 for the 16GB model, with a $600 32GB flavor also available. To recap, this is supposed to be the premium slate the Thrive wasn't, with a 1280 x 800 Gorilla Glass display, 178-degree viewing angles, TI OMAP 4430 chip, an anti-smudge coating and a 7.7mm-thick chassis, making it the thinnest 10-inch tablet on the market. It'll also ship with Android 3.2, though Toshiba says it's ICS-ready. And don't let that serious metal exterior fool you: for all its gravitas, the 1.2-pound tab is lighter than it looks. (We should know: we got hands-on ages ago.) So is a super slim design enough to make this Tegra 2 slate worth choosing over the Tegra 3-packing Transformer Prime which starts at $500 with 32GB of storage? To be honest, we suspect not, given that the Prime isn't much thicker and is also due for an upgrade to ICS. And besides, who knows what other Android tablets will surface at CES this week?
Acer's next-gen, quad-core Iconia Tab introduced at CES 2012 with a 1080p display
Acer's finishing up its CES 2012 presser with a teaser to end all teasers: there's a next-generation, quad-core Iconia Tab on the way. The Android-based slate will be powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 3 and will boast a native 1080p (!) display, leaving us to believe that it'll be a 10.1-inch panel that you're staring at. Sadly, the company didn't give any extra details (no price, no release date), but we'll be digging for more as the day continues. Update: Turns out it'll be dubbed the Iconia Tab A700, and it'll ship with a 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 1GB of RAM, a 10.1-inch "IPS-quality" 1080p display (!) and a customized version of Ice Cream Sandwich. HDMI and micro-USB ports are also included, as is a microSD card slot. Check out our hands-on with the device here!
Eee Pad Transformer to receive Ice Cream Sandwich after January 12th, ASUS confirms
ASUS' Eee Pad Transformer is about to get a healthy scoop of Ice Cream Sandwich. The company's UK branch confirmed the news today on its Facebook page, announcing that its original tablet-netbook hybrid device will make the jump to Android 4.0 sometime after January 12th. That date, as you may recall, is when the Transformer Prime is slated to receive the update, though ASUS has yet to confirm a specific date for the predecessor's update, saying only that it'll roll out "ASAP." As always, we'll be sure to let you know when we hear more.
Polaroid launching new tablet, color screen e-reader at CES?
What's this here, then? A sneaky tipster sent of some shots of what looks to be a new Android tab and a color screen e-reader from the photo-shaking folks at Polaroid. Not a lot to go on here, but, fittingly, the company is pushing the photo-taking capabilities of the slate, pitching it as a "tablet + camera," with what appears to be both front and rear cameras / flashes, the latter of which are prominently displayed on the rear of the device. The speaker also seems to get prominent placement, just above the screen. For the record, we whole-heartedly approve of the app selection on the device. On the reader front, we've got what certainly appears to be a color screen device, apparently suitable for reading the latest George R. R. Martin novels.
