by Ray Hendon
The leaks and rumors about Samsung’s new tablet are finally confirmed, with a few corrections about features. The Pictures below are from Samsung from the IFA show in Berlin earlier this morning.
Here are the actual specifications:
- OS: Google Android 2.2 (Froyo) with TouchWiz UI
- CPU: Cortex A8 1.0GHz
- Graphics: PowerVR SGX540 GPU
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 16GB or 32GB (plus 32GB expandable memory)
- Sensors: gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, accelerometer, light sensor
- Weight: 380 grams (0.84 lbs.)
- Support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1.
- “Readers Hub” is Samsung’s e-reader digital library application.
- “Media Hub” and “Music Hub” is Samsung’s answer to iTunes (movies, videos and music)
- Support for HD content (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, etc.)
- 3G HSUPA connectivity, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
- Front-facing camera allows for 3G (as opposed to iPad’s Wi-Fi-only FaceTime) videoconferencing
- Rear-facing camera captures still images and video.
The CPU is a Snapdragon, but running a little faster than we have been led to believe. Also, it has smartphone capability, and it will probably be launched later this year in the U.S. under Verizon or, perhaps, AT&T.
Reviews are unambiguously positive. Everyone is impressed with the graphics, video, touch operations and size. There is a thorough review at ZDNet–follow this link. The link also has a video, provided by Samsung, of operations and features.
There is also no mention of price anywhere in the Samsung presentation.
There will be an eReader app, from Kobo, supplied . But, it will also have access to the Android marketplace, so the Kindle and Nooks reader software will also be available. At 7 inches, it will make a more pleasant eReading experience than the heavier iPad.
