Slatedroid info

IDC has released their numbers for tablet market share in the first quarter of 2013, and it looks great for Android tablets. In the first three months of the year, 27.8 million Android tablets were shipped, up 247% from Q1 last year. The 27.8 million tablets also happen to make up 56.5% of all tablets shipped during the quarter, snagging the top spot from Apple. Apple’s share dipped to 39.6%, which is almost a 20% decline in market share from the previous year. While Apple didn’t ship less tablets, (they actually shipped almost 8 million more than they did in Q1 2012) there was a significant boon in the tablet market compared to last year, and a ton of those tablets ran Android.

Obviously, this just represents one quarter of this year, which a small slice of the pie. Android tablets have a ways to go, especially in popularity and app selection, before they can really penetrate the tablet market the way Android has done with phones. Still, though, grabbing up over half of an entire market in a quarter is a huge step in the right direction.

source: IDC

Come comment on this article: Android tablets pull ahead in Q1 2013, running on 56.5% of all tablets shipped

It looks like HP is going to be making a big splash in the tablet market pretty soon, as it may be launching what seems to be a higher-end device by the name of SlateBook 10 X2.

There aren’t too many specs available right now, but what we do know is that it’s got a 10-inch display.  The resolution is unfortunately unknown, but it’ll definitely be pretty speedy with a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor onboard clocked at 1.8GHz.  The device will also be running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, Google’s most up-to-date OS release.

The tablet included in the image above is of HP’s first tablet released to the US, the Slate 7, which is available at only $169.99. Maybe it’s a way for HP to test the market before releasing a more stable product like the SlateBook 10 X2.

We don’t know when the HP SlateBook 10 X2 will be released, but we’ll be sure to be the first ones to let you know!

What do you guys think?  Leave us some comments below.

source: UnwiredView

Come comment on this article: HP SlateBook 10 X2 leaks, packs Jelly Bean and NVIDIA Tegra 4

If you know Samsung when it comes to its tablets (or any of its devices), then you’ll know that it is not happy unless it has unleashed an onslaught of various models for the masses. Following the newly unveiled Galaxy Tab 3, it’s looking like Samsung will have no fewer than 4 additional tablet models— the Galaxy Tab Duos 7.0, Galaxy Tab AMOLED 8.0, Galaxy Tab 11 and the Nexus 11— that will arrive for 2013. Each tablet model will range from 7-inch to 11-inch models and come jam-packed with features like rumored expandable microSD slots and 2MP front-facing cameras. The real intriguing device among the bunch is the Nexus 11— which will build upon the largely successful Nexus 10 and is possibly slated to feature an octa-core processor and wait for it— a microSD slot capable of up to 64GB of extra memory. Considering Google is pretty strict with microSD slots on its Nexus line, we’ll go ahead and hold our breath until it actually happens.

Hit the flip to see the full list and specs of each upcoming device.

Samsung Galaxy Tab DUOS 7.0
- 7.0” PLS LCD 600 x 1024
- 3 Megapixel (back)
- 2 Megapixel (front)
- Dual-core
- DUAL SIM
- Micro SD 32 GB

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.0
- 8.0” AMOLED 1080p
- 5 Megapixel
- 2 Megapixel
- Quad-core A9 (Exynos 4412)
- Micro SD 64 GB
* Samsung need to solve AMOLED burning problem first.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 11
- 11” Super PLS TFT
- 8 Megapixel
- 2 Megapixel
- Dual-Core A15 (Exynos 5250)
- Micro SD 64 GB

NEXUS 11*
- 11” Super PLS TFT
- 8 Megapixel
- 2 Megapixel
- Octa-Core A15 / A7 (Exynos 5410)
- Micro SD 64 GB (Rumoured)
* Needs to get approvement from Google (Worlds first Octa-Core tablet)

source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Samsung rumored to bring 4 additional tablets for 2013

The speculation on the Galaxy Tab 3 can finally end because Samsung finally unveiled it. As expected, this isn’t going to be a high-end offering so that they can keep the price point as low as possible. The biggest change from the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the smaller bezel and the same hardware buttons that you find on their phones. The specs include a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB or 16GB of storage, microSD slot for expanded storage, 3MP rear camera, and 1.3MP front camera.

No pricing was announced, but you can expect to see the WiFi version in May along with a 3G / WiFI version in June. Hit the break for the presser.

SEOUL, Korea, April 29, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the introduction of the GALAXY Tab 3 – 7-inch tablet featuring sleek design and enhanced capabilities that bring capabilities that bring better performance and multimedia experiences to your fingertips.

With the new GALAXY Tab 3, Samsung has evolved its range of innovative tablets, making them smaller and easier to carry, while increasing the user experience overall

• Easy Handgrip and Portability: Its compact, one-hand grip form factor ensures users can hold comfortably for hours as well as store in a pocket or small bag for reading and entertainment on the go. The sleek and stylish design encompasses thinner bezel than the previous GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0).
• Better Multimedia Performance: Powered by a 1.2GHz Dual Core processor, the device allows for faster downloads and sharing, while providing easy access to videos, apps, games, and the web. Offered with either 8/16 of internal storage plus up to 64GB of expandable memory, the device has plenty of space to hold your favorite photos, music, apps, videos and more.
• Enhanced User Experience: The GALAXY Tab 3 7-inch is equipped to better capture life’s moments in stunning clarity and resolution with its 3-megapixel camera rear camera and 1.3 -megapixel front camera. Combined with the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), it allows users to share photos, videos, and life’s special moments through a few quick taps and swipes.

The GALAXY Tab 3 7-inch WiFi version will be available globally beginning May and 3G version will follow in June. The product availability varies by market and will be rolled out gradually.

Come comment on this article: Samsung announces the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3

HP has finally released their slightly underwhelming tablet through their website, modestly priced at $169. For that price, you get a dual-core processor, Beats Audio, and a 1024 x 600 resolution 7-inch screen. At that price, I think it’s competing a little too closely with the $199 Nexus 7,  but it does offer what appears to be vanilla Android 4.1 and a nice design, so if you’re trying to stick to a very specific budget, the Slate 7 might be your device.

Anybody planning on picking one of these up?

source: HP

Come comment on this article: HP’s Slate 7 now available online for $169

It looks like ASUS has another Intel-based tablet up its sleeves according to a sighting in GFX Benmarks. While the Fonepad is smaller, this one will feature a 10,1-inch (1920 x 1080) display. It bares the model number of ME302C and it has the Intel Atom Z2560 Clover Trail+ clocked at 1.6GHz along with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It also appears to be part of the Eee family, which might mean it will be a Transformer type of tablet with an optional keyboard dock. We really don’t have much to go on so we will have to wait until more information leaks.

source: GFXBench
via: PhoneArena

Come comment on this article: ASUS ME302C tablet with Intel Atom Z2560 Clover Trail+ spotted in benchmark

You have no doubt noticed a trend amongst most smartphone manufacturers to push the boundaries of screen size with several models on the market in the 5-inch or larger range. Samsung’s Galaxy Note series really pushed the market into this “phablet” sized range with its success, demonstrating there was a market for large devices. Transparency Market Research has published a new report that puts some numbers to what we seem to be seeing and predicts sales of phablets and superphones will reach 825 million units by 2018, generating $116.4 billion for manufacturers that jump into the market. Although North America has been the leader in the market to date, Asian Pacific markets like Korea, India and China are expected to experience the largest and fastest growth rates over the next five years.

According to Transparency Market Research, about 21 million Android based phablet devices were sold in 2012. By 2018, that number should reach 150 million on an annual basis. For Android superphones, Transparency Market Research expects the market to grow from 150 million Android powered units sold in 2012 to 400 million units in 2018. Currently Android phablets and superphones account for 82% and 87% of market share respectively. While Android devices will continue to dominate, Transparency Market Research does project Windows based devices will grow by huge amounts thanks to forthcoming Windows phablets from Nokia, HTC, Sony and ZTE.

Transparency Market Research defines superphones as those with screen sizes between 4 and 5 inches. Phablets are devices with screens larger than 5 inches but smaller than a tablet device. Both types of devices are characterized by fast, powerful processors and other hardware that make them more suitable for navigating documents, surfing the web, watching videos, and gaming compared to normal smartphones whose screens typically range between 2.8 and 3.5 inches.

Noticeably absent from the analysis is Apple, which has traditionally resisted pressure to produce larger devices. Should Apple ever change their strategy, that could have an impact on both market size and which manufacturers are able to succeed.

source: Transparency Market Research

Come comment on this article: New study says market for phablets, “superphones” to reach 825 million units globally by 2018

After many years and countless betas, Swype is officially official and now live in the Play Store. In case you’re not familiar— Swype is a keyboard alternative for Android devices that gives users the option to enter words onto a device’s screen either by the standard method of typing, talking or well… swyping letters to make words on the screen. The release of Swype also comes jam-packed with features such as Living Language which updates your phone’s dictionary with the latest words that all the young kids use, Next Word Prediction which helps to complete your sentences and lots of keyboard themes to choose from. Oh and you tablet users out there don’t fret— the makers of Swype included 3 different tablet modes to choose from which helps to make life just a little easier for you— especially if you’re on a behemoth of a tablet.

As part of the app’s official release, Nuance Communications is offering the app in the Play Store for a mere 99 cents— but for a limited time only. So those of you Froyo+ smartphone and tablet users who have been itching to try a sweet keyboard alternative have no excuse not to try it out today.

Play Store Download link

Come comment on this article: Swype officially out of beta and now available in the Play Store

Using your brain to control a smartphone or tablet is something that could be a reality thanks to Samsung and the University of Texas. Instead of tapping on the display, you could use your thoughts to open an application, select a song to play, or select a contact. They are already demonstrating this on the Galaxy Note 10.1, but users need to wear a wild looking cap filled with EEG Electrodes.

Now don’t expect to see this type of technology anytime soon, but this isn’t anything new. I saw something very similar at CES using similar technology from Puzzlebox. They utilize the same technology from NeuroSky to show how concentration can keep a remote control helicopter in the air. A tablet was also used, but only as a way of displaying the levels of concentration. You can watch that video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: MIT Technology Review
via: PhoneArena

Come comment on this article: Controlling you smartphone or tablet with your brain could be a reality thanks to Samsung and the University of Texas

The rumor mill spotlight is on Samsung today, as some details have popped up about another 10 inch tablet manufactured by Samsung. The device is code named Roma and is expected to essentially be a TouchWiz version of the Nexus 10. It packs the same internals, from the 2560 x 1600 10.1 inch screen to the dual core Exynos 5 processor. It will, however, have a micro SD card slot and on-board LTE, which is a plus. No official word from Samsung, but now that the S4 is out in the open, we should expect to see some confirmations about the next tablets in Samsung’s lineup fairly soon.

source: GSM Arena

Come comment on this article: Samsung Roma will be LTE-equipped tablet with Nexus 10 specs