Close on the heels of Microsoft’s tablet PC announcement and widespread speculation that Apple are also about to unveil a similar device, T-Mobile have revealed that they are to supply the UK with a small Android, family based tablet PC. Powered by the Innovative Converged Devices Vega system, the 15 inch tablet is designed to be placed in a central family room, giving a main unit for all family members to use.
With so much speculation surrounding members of the PC world, the revelation by the mobile phone operator came to many as a surprise. Using a T-Mobile SIM and with Wi-Fi capabilities, the tablet PC will offer both video and verbal, hands free communication. An Android system allows for compatibility with core applications, though the Android Market cannot be accessed. This is largely because most applications for sale are for use in devices with far smaller screens and would not work properly in a tablet PC format.
Explaining that a large amount of research had been carried out, T Mobile said that their latest product filled the up and coming niche for family organisation and central based communication. For example, one core program will be a family calendar which can be accessed by any family member from phone or PC and will send reminder texts to individuals for events. T-Mobile’s Head of new Proposition Development Richard Warmsley explained “This is not technology for technology’s sake, it’s a new category of device and not about taking one specific device head on.” The device will available on contract and pay-as-you-go and is expected to hit the markets later this year.
