Apple blocks sale of Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in EU

German news outlet dpa reported on Tuesday that Apple has won a preliminary injunction to stop the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in the whole of the European Union except for the Netherlands. The Regional Court of Düsseldorf appears to have sided with Apple's claims that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 infringes on intellectual property related to the design of Apple's iPad. Apple has a similar ongoing lawsuit in the Netherlands. Should Samsung continue to sell the tablet, the company could face fines of up to $350,000 for each violation. Foss Patents said the ruling in Germany will go into effect immediately, although Samsung could appeal the decision during another hearing. On August 1st, Apple blocked Samsung from selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia until courts there rule on whether or not the tablet infringes on 10 of Apple's patents. Samsung agreed not to advertise or sell the device and Apple will pay damages if the South Korean company wins the Australian case.
source: Boy Genius Report

VIZIO launches sub-$300 Android tablet

VIZIO on Monday evening announced that its affordable 8-inch VIZIO Tablet is now available from numerous retailers nationwide. The Gingerbread-powered device is VIZIO's first foray into the tablet space, and while the slate's specs aren't cutting edge, it's unsubsidized $299 price tag makes it a great option for tablet buyers on a budget. Spec highlights include an 8-inch 1024 x 768-pixel display, Android 2.3.2 Gingerbread, 2GB of storage and support for up to 32GB of removable storage, a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and a front-facing VGA camera for video chats. “VIZIO set out to build an innovative tablet that breaks new ground and addresses the gaps in current offerings in the market,” said VIZIO CTO Matt McRae in a statement. “The VIZIO Tablet offers a superior multimedia experience with its three speaker design, home theater integration with IR, and a perfect size for typing, eBooks, gaming and portability. These innovations and our ground breaking price push the category forward and deliver on our brand promise of Entertainment Freedom for All.” VIZIO's 8-inch tablet is now available at Sam's Club, Walmart, Costco, Amazon and other VIZIO retailers across the country for under $300. VIZIO's full press release follows below.

VIZIO's New 8″ Tablet Delivers Knock Out Video, Audio and App-Based Entertainment at Sub-$300 Price Point

VIZIO Tablet to shake up the marketplace by offering intuitive tablet experience at a price point that extends availability to the masses
Unique three-speaker design delivers stereo audio in both landscape and portrait modes
Control Your Entire Home Theater with the VIZIO Tablet's built-in universal remote control app
Built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth® capabilities offer optimum connectivity with multiple devices

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV company, announced today the new VIZIO 8″ Tablet with WiFi is arriving at retailers nationwide. As part of VIZIO's continued commitment to deliver great technology at a superior value, the sleek, feature-filled, Android-powered VIZIO Tablet is now available at Sam's Club, Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and other VIZIO retailers at a breakthrough price of $299.

The VIZIO Tablet features VIZIO Internet Apps® Plus which combines the latest technologies with a unified, easy-to-use and fun user interface across select future VIZIO HDTV's, Blu-ray® players and other devices — further differentiating the sleek VIZIO Tablet. In addition, the new Tablet is able to control nearly every element of a user's home theater with a universal remote app and includes a built-in HDMI port with HDCP support for content protected HD playback on the big screen.

“We are excited that VIZIO is listening, once again, to what the marketplace is asking for with a high performance sub $300 Tablet,” said Tim Farmer, Costco. ”VIZIO's reputation is built on affordable technology and entertainment and this product is expected to generate a strong consumer response.”

By offering cutting edge technology and exceptional features at a competitive category price, the VIZIO Tablet is ideal for a wide range of users. With support for Adobe® Flash®, casual gamers, movie, TV and music enthusiasts are able to enjoy rich content and applications on the go. It also comes equipped with a unique three-speaker configuration, strategically placed for stereo sound in landscape or portrait mode.

Additionally, parents looking to entertain their children on-the-go can quickly access the Android Market™ which gives access to hundreds of thousands of apps, including educational programs, games and eBooks.**

With back-to-school season in full swing, students will also find the sleek VIZIO Tablet an ideal and fun compliment to a busy year as it makes checking email, news and social networks as simple as ever. Multiple storage options make saving assignments and downloading music a breeze with a MicroSD™ slot that allows consumers the freedom to expand memory up to 32GB for optimal organization and entertainment.

“VIZIO set out to build an innovative tablet that breaks new ground and addresses the gaps in current offerings in the market,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “The VIZIO Tablet offers a superior multimedia experience with its three speaker design, home theater integration with IR, and a perfect size for typing, eBooks, gaming and portability. These innovations and our ground breaking price push the category forward and deliver on our brand promise of Entertainment Freedom for All.”
source: Boy Genius Report

Courts Ban Sale of Samsung Galaxy Tab in Europe

Clearly, the Samsung's tablet looks nothing like the iPad. No. Not at all

A European court has blocked the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 across the European Union, in every member state except the Netherlands. It seems that Apple applied to the court in Dusseldorf, Germany, and an injunction preventing the sale of the copycat tablet was issued without even consulting Samsung.

Germany is notoriously hot on copyright violations, unlike Spain, where clones of Apple's iPods are on sale in major department stores. This temporary order prevents distribution of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 immediately.

Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet has confirmed the action to Bloomberg, and Samsung spokesman Kim Titus expressed his company's surprise that the order was issued “without any hearing or presentation of evidence from Samsung.”

Apple is also pursuing an injunction in the Netherlands.

Perhaps Apple and the courts are treating the Tab 10.1 as a straight knock-off, just like the fake iPhones seen in Chinese markets. Or perhaps the legal complexities are deeper, concerning trade dress and the general look and feel of Apple's hardware and software. Either way, it seems like Samsung (aka “The Copyist”) is being punished for so blatantly ripping off Apple's designs.

Apple stoppt Vertrieb von Samsungs iPad-Konkurrent in Europa [Financial Informer]

Apple Wins Order Against Samsung Tablet in EU [Bloomberg]
source: Gadget Lab

Apple sues Motorola, claims XOOM tablet is an iPad rip-off

Apple's claims that Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet is a copycat device that infringes on Apple-owned patents have been widely reported. The Cupertino-based company has filed numerous patent complaints against Samsung, and it has even succeeded in temporarily blocking the sale of the 10-inch Honeycomb tablet across Europe and in Australia. Samsung isn't the only tablet vendor in Apple's sights, however, as Apple also recently filed a complaint against Motorola in Europe, FOSS Patents reports. The complaint alleges that the design of Motorola's XOOM tablet copies Apple's iPad tablets, just like the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Apple currently has multiple outstanding patent complaints against Motorola right now, and Motorola has issued multiple complaints against Apple as well. In total, 40 different patents are named in the various suits Apple and Motorola have filed against each other since October 2010.
source: Boy Genius Report

Apple's Samsung complaint reveals it's also suing Motorola over the Xoom

Yes, we've now reached the point in the ongoing Apple v. Samsung brouhaha where we're having lawsuits revealed within lawsuits. As spotted by FOSS Patents' blocking sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Europe also contained a brief passage indicating that Apple is suing Motorola over the decidedly tablet-like Xoom as well. What's not clear, however, is whether Apple is also seeking an injunction against Motorola to block sales of the Xoom, but Mueller suggests that is indeed likely (Apple has also reportedly sued and received an injunction against local German tablet manufacturer JAY-tech). Of course, Apple and Motorola are no strangers to legal entanglements, but this is the first time we've seen things spread beyond phones to tablets.
source: Engadget

Dell Latitude XT3 convertible tablet PC now available

Can't make up your mind about whether you want to purchase a laptop or a tablet for your next portable computer? Dell is here to simplify the choice for you. While other companies have been creating tablets that combine with a dock to turn into a laptop, carrying an extra dock around can be a pretty cumbersome affair. Dell's Latitude XT3 convertible tablet eschews the dock concept and attaches the display to the keyboard instead; permanently. It features a flexible swivel hinge that allows you to use the screen in a whole variety of viewing angles.

While this will lead to a heavier device, you'll get the convenience of being able to whip out the physical keyboard/trackpad every time you use it instead of having to set up the dock and plug it in. Perfect for people who are rarely at their desks and need to bring their work everywhere. The Latitude XT3 features a nice capacitive 13.3″ HD LCD touchscreen display with multi-touch (up to four fingers), as well as pen input. A touchpad, keyboard and mouse support give users even more choices when it comes to input.

Other specs include: Intel Core processor (i3, i5 or i7), Windows 7 operating system, up to 8GB of RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000, 250x320GB HDD or 256GB SSD, optional optical drive, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, RJ-45, three USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB/eSATA combo, memory card reader, VGA, HDMI output, smartcard reader, optional fingerprint reader. Prices for the Latitude XT3 start at $2,077 and it is available now.
source: Ubergizmo

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer stand and adapters surface on Amazon Germany

We feel like if you're going to buy an Eee Pad Transformer, you may as well spring for the $150 docking station - you know, the thing that makes the tablet so noteworthy. And we don't need to remind you it also happens to be a solid value proposition: the dock brings not just a full keyboard, but two USB ports, an SD card reader, and up to seven hours of extended battery life. There must be some people content with just the slate, though, because ASUS is rolling out a trio of accessories that offer pieces of the docking station's functionality. Head on over to Amazon Germany and you'll find individual USB and SD adapters for €19 ($27) a pop. And though it's not listed with the adapters, NetbookNews also spotted a €29 Euro ($41) stand with a USB port, SD slot, and headphone jack. Before you get too excited, though, Amazon is saying the adapters will ship one to three months from now, which leaves you quite a bit of time to save up for the full keyboard dock. Just saying, folks.
source: Engadget

TabCo announces tablet launch

After all the viral marketing, funny videos and vague preview of the tablet UI yesterday, it looks like TabCo is ready to pull the curtains off of its upcoming tablet. The company has just announced via its Facebook page that it will be holding a webcast for its launch event on next Monday, August 15 at 9am PT.

Will the tablet live up to expectations? Or will it just fall flat after all that hype? What operating system is it running on? When will it be released? Who is TabCo really? I guess all will be revealed come next week. Head over to the TabCo website to register your interest, or you can stay tuned to Ubergizmo and we'll keep you posted with news from the webcast.
source: Ubergizmo

Samsung Galaxy Tab 750 rolls out in India

Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 might be “oppressed” in certain parts of the world, but that does not mean the South Korean consumer electronics giant is going to sit down and sulk in a corner. No sir, they have just released a new tablet known as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 750 in India. The Galaxy Tab 750 will run on Android 3.x Honeycomb which has been specially optimized for tablets, measuring a mere 8.6mm in thickness.

Seems that Samsung has learnt a lot from their foray with the Galaxy S II and its slim form factor – this model will still be able to cram in NVIDIA's Tegra 2 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, HSPA+ support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation capability, a 3-megapixel camera at the rear and a 2-megapixel camera in front, HD video recording (720p) capability and Full HD playback, 16GB of internal memory and a 7,000mAh battery which is touted to run for around 9 hours on average.

The Galaxy Tab 750 will run on Samsung's very own TouchWiz UI which will offer support for Live Panel, Mini Apps and different Hubs like Social and Readers Hub, where said tablet will arrive in that part of the world before August is over. Hopefully we will see it rear its head on the FCC soon.
source: Ubergizmo

Apple to sue Motorola over Xoom tablet design

Apple seems to be on a roll lately with all these new lawsuits popping up. Their currently legal battle against Samsung over patent infringement has led to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 having its sales halted in both Australia and the EU (with the Netherlands reportedly coming next). Now it seems that Apple has a new target in sight and this time they are reportedly suing Motorola and JAY-tech over their designs.

The complaint is pretty much similar to the case with Samsung, with Apple claiming that the Xoom tablet looks like the iPad, which is arguable, while JAY-tech's design can be said to be almost similar with an Apple-style interface. No word on what Apple wants to be done although it's not a stretch to say that they are probably aiming for an injunction as well.

It is said that in German courts, complaints such as these are often denied especially if too much time has passed, and given that the Xoom was released 6 months ago, Apple may not have much luck there.

Does anyone think that perhaps Apple is taking this a little too far, or do you think that their actions are justified?
source: Ubergizmo

TabCo tablet UI preview on the way

The TabCo tablet is one interesting tablet. It is backed by a very intriguing viral marketing campaign, and there's still not much known about the tablet. I.e. who's creating the tablet? What operating system is the tablet running on? What does it look like? Well, it looks like some of the questions might be answered today. The TabCo Twitter account recently just posted a Tweet telling its followers to be prepared for a sneak peek.

According to the announcement, it looks like we'll be getting a glimpse of the tablet's UI (user interface). Whether it'll be a picture or a video, it's yet to be known, but once we get a look at it, I'm pretty sure we'll be able to figure out what operating system it's running on, and possibly who is the company behind it. We'll keep an eye out for the unveiling and we'll be sure to update you. What do you think of the tablet based on all the hype that's been generated for it so far?
source: Ubergizmo

Archos G9 Android tablet has a massive hard disk

While it's very common to see a tablet with internal storage capacities of 32-64GB, very rarely do they cross the 128GB limit, even with slots for an SD card. Well, Archos seems to have plans to change all that. The company has announced that it will be offering its G9 tablet with up to 250GB of storage. This is made possible due to the inclusion of a hybrid hard drive.

The drawbacks of having a hard disk in the tablet obviously leads to an increase in weight, but hey - you get all the storage space that you need to make your tablet worthwhile using on those long trips when you don't have internet access - just imagine how many movies you can put on the tablet.

The Archos G9 will come in two sizes - 8″ and 10″ for $369.99 and $469.99 respectively for the 250GB models. Considering that the iPad 2 costs $699 for 64GB - the 10″ Archos G9 has more than double the storage for a cheaper price, talk about a bargain! Other specs of the G9 tablet include: an OMAP4 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, and a 720p HD video recording capable camera. The Archos G9 will go on sale in September.
source: Ubergizmo

HP TouchPad 4G up for pre-order on Amazon

Interested in purchasing the new HP TouchPad tablet that features a faster internet connection than the one available now? Great news, because it looks like the HP TouchPad 4G could be almost upon us. The webOS 3 tablet headed for AT&T's HSPA+ network was recently spotted as being available for pre-order on Amazon's website. And like most 4G devices, the tablet isn't going to come cheap.

I wonder how long the prices for the tablet will stay, after all HP should know that it will be hard to compete in the tablet market with such a high price tag, running a relatively unknown operating system (webOS) that most people probably haven't heard of. But it does have 4G connectivity (HSPA+ is 3.5G to be more accurate), which puts it a step above most of the other tablets. But is fast internet enough to sell the tablet? I guess we'll have to see about it when it launches, though I've got a feeling the price won't be $700 for too long.
source: Ubergizmo

In Search of Buyers, HP Slashes TouchPad Prices

HP needs to get its tablet in your hands, and the company is doing everything it can to make that happen.

HP has tried slashing the tablet's prices. Over the weekend, the company discounted its new tablet by $100 when purchased through HP's web store and other participating retailers, bringing the price of the TouchPad down to $400 and $500 for the 16GB and 32GB versions, respectively.

HP has tried rebates. The company's first rebate for early TouchPad adopters — available to those who bought it when it was first released in July — knocked $50 off the tablet's price.

HP has tried bundled software freebies. At the TouchPad's launch, the company partnered with Box.net to offer 50GB of free cloud storage, a $240 yearly value.

To some, HP's actions are those of a desperate company.

“Consumers aren't buying the TouchPad at the iPad price point, so HP is hoping a lower price will make its tablet look more attractive,” said Forrester research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps in an e-mail. “Cutting prices may cause consumers to buy the TouchPad out of curiosity, but it undermines HP's efforts to market a premium iPad competitor.”

HP's webOS platform is the underdog in today's mobile space. A DigiTimes report expects Apple to take 61 percent of the tablet marketshare in 2011, leaving the remainder up for grabs between the myriad Android tablet manufacturers, BlackBerry PlayBook makers Research in Motion, and HP (and possibly Microsoft, if its Windows Mobile OS comes to tablets any time soon). A veritable David to competing Goliaths Android and iOS, HP has a lot of work to do.

In the company's most recent effort, it will send out a $50 credit for purchasing apps in HP's App Catalog to anyone who bought a TouchPad from July 1 to August 4. It's an attempt to boost support for the webOS catalog from the consumer side. If the company can get enough TouchPad owners to start buying webOS apps, HP may have a good chance at convincing app developers that webOS is worth developing programs for.

The company is also trying to bolster its application ecosystem on the developer side, recently launching the “webOS certified developers program,” essentially a promotional deal for developers who want to get noticed. The program offers referrals and more visibility for the up and coming webOS developer who wouldn't otherwise get noticed in a very crowded application environment like Apple's or Google's.

“We've seen great developer interest in the webOS platform from companies big and small,” an HP spokeswoman told Wired.com in a statement. As a result of its developer push, the company expects a boost in apps over the next 12 to 18 months. “We currently have more than 600 TouchPad apps and more than 9,000 total apps in the webOS app catalog,” the spokeswoman said.

For comparison, Apple's App Store with around half a million apps, and the Android Market with over 250,000 apps.

With the 4G version of the TouchPad coming soon at a pricey $700, we'll have to wait and see if tablet shoppers are willing to shell out such a hefty chunk of change for a non-iOS tablet. Considering how poor Motorola's Xoom sales were in the wake of its high starting prices, the outlook doesn't look so good.
source: Gadget Lab

LG G-Slate gets Android 3.1 Honeycomb update

The LG G-Slate from T-Mobile has certainly been lacking when it comes to the Android 3.x Honeycomb update race, considering the Motorola XOOM as well as Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 have already received the update some time back. Nice to know that T-Mobile is not going to take things easily, where they just announced the availability of an Android 3.1 Honeycomb update coming our way sometime today at best, or tomorrow if things turn south. While all these hail from LG's official support forums, there has been no official announcement from T-Mobile just yet.

Anyone has already started to press the “Update Now” button just in case you are the first to receive such an update? For those who have received it and gone through the installation process, how has your tablet experience changed – is it for the better or worse?
source: Ubergizmo

Google Chrome OS for tablets spotted on video

We've previously reported about some screenshots of Chrome OS being used in some sort of tablet-friendly mode, and now some video footage of it has surfaced. A web developer named François Beaufort recently finished compiling a software build of Chrome OS that would work on tablets, and posted a video demonstration of it online.

So what does it look like? Basically Chrome OS, except that it's been magnified to make pressing buttons and selecting a lot easier to do with fingers. The onscreen keyboard resembles the keyboards found on Acer and Samsung Chromebooks - big keys with slightly rounded edges. The URL bar now has a horizontal menu for selecting addresses instead of the usual drop down menu, which should be easier to use with a finger.

Since it still hasn't been announced by Google, there's no word if the tablet-friendly version of Chrome OS will ever be released. Until then, this may just remain as a feature that never gets used - after all Google already has Android for tablets, would it need another OS to compete with itself?
source: Ubergizmo

Vizio tablet now shipping nationwide, priced at $300

Well friends, if you've been waiting to get your hands on the 8" Vizio tab (and don't live near a Costco), your time has come. The company announced today that its slate has begun shipping to retailers nationwide including Sam's, Walmart and Amazon. The Android tablet is now priced at $299, a $30 drop from our last retail sighting -- and just in time to entice those of you heading back to school in search of a new piece of tech to play with during that history lecture. Or perhaps you just want to kick it like Blake Griffin... don't worry, we won't judge you. Besides, what else do you need for your dorm room other than an integrated universal remote to queue up all those Lord of the Rings marathons?

Press Release:
VIZIO's New 8" Tablet Delivers Knock Out Video, Audio and App-based Entertainment at sub-$300 Price Point

- VIZIO Tablet to shake up the marketplace by offering intuitive tablet experience at a price point that extends availability to the masses

- Unique three-speaker design delivers stereo audio in both landscape and portrait modes

- Control Your Entire Home Theater with the VIZIO Tablet's built-in universal remote control app

- Built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth® capabilities offer optimum connectivity with multiple devices

Irvine, CA - August 08, 2011 - VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV company, announced today the new VIZIO 8" Tablet with WiFi is arriving at retailers nationwide. As part of VIZIO's continued commitment to deliver great technology at a superior value, the sleek, feature-filled, Android-powered VIZIO Tablet is now available at Sam's Club, Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and other VIZIO retailers at a breakthrough price of $299.

The VIZIO Tablet features VIZIO Internet Apps® Plus which combines the latest technologies with a unified, easy-to-use and fun user interface across select future VIZIO HDTV's, Blu-ray® players and other devices -- further differentiating the sleek VIZIO Tablet. In addition, the new Tablet is able to control nearly every element of a user's home theater with a universal remote app and includes a built-in HDMI port with HDCP support for content protected HD playback on the big screen.

"We are excited that VIZIO is listening, once again, to what the marketplace is asking for with a high performance sub $300 Tablet," said Tim Farmer, Costco. "VIZIO's reputation is built on affordable technology and entertainment and this product is expected to generate a strong consumer response."

By offering cutting edge technology and exceptional features at a competitive category price, the VIZIO Tablet is ideal for a wide range of users. With support for Adobe® Flash®, casual gamers, movie, TV and music enthusiasts are able to enjoy rich content and applications on the go. It also comes equipped with a unique three-speaker configuration, strategically placed for stereo sound in landscape or portrait mode.

Additionally, parents looking to entertain their children on-the-go can quickly access the Android Market™ which gives access to hundreds of thousands of apps, including educational programs, games and eBooks.**

With back-to-school season in full swing, students will also find the sleek VIZIO Tablet an ideal and fun compliment to a busy year as it makes checking email, news and social networks as simple as ever. Multiple storage options make saving assignments and downloading music a breeze with a MicroSD™ slot that allows consumers the freedom to expand memory up to 32GB for optimal organization and entertainment.

"VIZIO set out to build an innovative tablet that breaks new ground and addresses the gaps in current offerings in the market," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The VIZIO Tablet offers a superior multimedia experience with its three speaker design, home theater integration with IR, and a perfect size for typing, eBooks, gaming and portability. These innovations and our ground breaking price push the category forward and deliver on our brand promise of Entertainment Freedom For All."
source: Engadget

Pierre Cardin Tablet PC

With tablet PC's becoming ever more popular, more and more players are trying to cash in on the attention that this market segment is attracting among the consumers. French fashion house Pierre Cardin is trying to be one of the latest players to enter into the tablet market. It is aiming to offer the first designer tablet in its new Pierre Cardin Tablet PC.

The Pierre Cardin Tablet PC may just be the very first tablet PC to come out from a designer brand known for fashion rather than consumer electronics. This designer tablet features a 7 inch capacitive multi-touch display that runs on a 1GHz Cortex processor from Samsung. It also has a 512 MB DDR II RAM, 4GB of internal memory with a microSD slot to add an additional 16GB worth of external memory. It runs on the Android 2.2 OS and comes with a 1.2 MP front camera, 720p HD playback support and is already WiFi ready. Being a designer tablet from a luxury brand, the Pierre Cardin Tablet PC is priced as such, costing 275 UK Pounds or US$450 in order to have. It is currently available at Pierre Cardin, if interested.
source: Gadget.com

Vizio tablet starts to ship for $299

Vizio – the name that you would normally associate with quality LCD HDTVs at a reasonable price point is back with something far smaller to the tune of just 8″ – we're talking about the new Vizio tablet that sports Wi-Fi connectivity, having arrived at retailers around the country for just $299 a pop. Yes, price is not everything, but many people would use that as a yardstick first before going through the list of hardware specifications in order to make a comparison.

The Vizio tablet will come with Vizio Internet Apps Plus that merges the latest technologies alongside a unified, easy-to-use and fun user interface, where it will work in tandem with some of Vizio's upcoming HDTVs, Blu-ray players and other devices – now isn't this a real differentiating factor compared to the slew of tablets out there?

Basically, the new Vizio tablet will also double up as some form of universal remote control thanks to a special app, while an integrated HDMI port with HDCP support will let you play protected content via HD playback on the big screen. If you need more memory for the Vizio tablet, there is always the microSD memory card slot to get started.
source: Ubergizmo

Lenovo ThinkPad tablet arrives on the FCC

Lenovo's ThinkPad tablet is set to arrive in the market this coming August 23rd, but until then, it needs to go through the rigors of the FCC, and that day has finally arrived. The ThinkPad tablet was not slated (pardon the pun) for the mass market, but rather, it will target the enterprise segment instead. In the FCC filing, it shows off a line drawing of the ThinkPad's rear end. This is a downer since it does not reveal anything new about the tablet.

There has been leaked shots of the ThinkPad tablet in the past that delivered a greater level of scrutiny on both the front and back sides of the tablet. Just what is packed inside the Lenovo ThinkPad? For starters, it will come with an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, in addition to 1GB RAM, two cameras – one in the front and one at the back, while connectivity options include microUSB for charging and HDMI to view everything on a large screen TV. You can also choose to pick up an optional digitizer pen that will play nice with its capacitive touchscreen display.

The Lenovo ThinkPad will come in two packages – 16GB for $499, while adding on another $30, you will net the same 16GB model with said stylus.
source: Ubergizmo

Vizio's Android Tablet now shipping in U.S. for $300

If you have been urging to get your hands on Vizio's first attempt at an Android tablet and you haven't had the time to go to a local Costco, you'll be happy to hear that the device is now shipping to retailers nationwide such as Sam's Club, Walmart, and Amazon. The device will cost you approximately $300.

Besides a low price point, the Vizio Tablet is unique in that it features Vizio Internet Apps Plus, which mixes the latest technologies with a unified, easy-to-use and fun user interface across select future VIZIO HDTV's, Blu-ray® players and other devices. The 8-inch Wi-Fi only tablet can also act as a universal remote for your home theatre system and can play protected media content through a HDMI port with HDCP support.

The Vizio Tablet makes a great choice for someone looking for a nice tablet with some unique features, but doesn't want to shell out $500+ for a more powerful tablet.
source: Unwired View

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz update rolling out now

Right on schedule, Samsung's TouchWiz update began rolling out to Galaxy Tab 10.1 owners on Friday. The update provides a number of visual enhancements to the user interface including a live panel view, a new mini mode tray for quick access to open applications, a clipboard, an indicator quick panel and a photo editor. Samsung also added Amazon Music Player, Words with Friends, Samsung Media Hub, Social Hub, the Swype keyboard and Kindle software. To update simply go to Settings > About Tablet > Update. Unfortunately, it looks like Samsung hasn't pushed the patch out to its Limited Edition Google I/O Galaxy Tab 10.1 or to Verizon's 4G LTE version just yet, but we're hoping it does soon.
source: Boy Genius Report

Pierre Cardin PC-7006 touts itself as UK's first 'designer tablet,' wears last season's Android

It was bad enough when Pierre Cardin's first tablet waltzed into CeBIT 2010 flaunting an outdated processor, but now its little sister is hitting the scene wearing a démodé OS. Admittedly, running Froyo isn't exactly scandalous, but we'd expect a 7-inch slate bearing the name of a legendary designer to at least keep up with current trends. While Pierre's pad isn't hip to Honeycomb, it does sport a respectable 1GHz Samsung S5PV210 Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage, MicroSD support up to 16GB and built in WiFi. True to its fashonista roots, this tablet knows that it needs to accessorize to look its best; 3G is just a separately sold dongle away. The clout of fashion-label tablet computing can be yours for only £275, and when you're all ordered up and ready to go, come on back - we've got a belt buckle that might interest you.
source: Engadget

Android 3.2 Now Rolling Out for Verizon's Motorola XOOM

After word of an initial soak test and an updated support page, we are hearing reports from owners of the Motorola XOOM tied to Verizon's network that the Android 3.2 update has begun rolling out. For the uninitiated, the update most notably enables the XOOM's SD card slot, but will also enable a new “zoom to fill” mode for resizing non-native apps for display on Honeycomb tablets. Any readers out there receiving the update yet?
source: Android Phone

HP TouchPad Now Available For $100 Less For A Limited Time!

The deal is on for both the 16GB and 32GB variants, suggesting that it's perhaps the best time for all the WebOS tablet lovers who have been waiting to buy the WebOS tablet this weekend.

Staples is also offering a similar deal where users can get a $100 flat off as HP TouchPad discount for both 16GB and 32GB versions. The offer is valid through 7th of August at both Staples and HP's official retail sources.

As a refresher, HP TouchPad tablet features a 9.7" capacitive touch display, a front-facing 1.3 megapixel HD camera, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor flanked by a gigabyte of RAM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, onboard GPS, Web OS 3.0 and much more.

The HP TouchPad price was originally listed as $499 for the 16GB version and $599 for the 32GB version. But, the current HP TouchPad discount price lists the 16GB and 32GB models at $399 and $499 respectively.

One reason HP could have popped up the discounts is to make the tablet even more easily affordable to a greater number of consumers who are looking at a nice tablet in around the specified price range. Secondly, it could also be possible that HP wants to entice more consumers (by slashing the prices) who would otherwise be lured in the similarly priced iPad or other Android tablets.

Anyway, the aforementioned HP TouchPad offers are a good deal, particularly if you were already inclined to treat yourself with the WebOS tablet. While the offers may last for only a couple of days, we expect (but do not assure) that HP and other authorized resellers may strike similar offers in the near future, particularly so if a new version of the TouchPad is on the launch horizon.
source: Technology Nerd

Samsung brings WNBA-sized Galaxy Tab 8.9 to BlogHer 2011

The release date and pricing info we're waiting on from the Galaxy Tab 8.9 continues to elude us, but Samsung's slightly smaller slate did find time to make a live US appearance at BlogHer 2011 this week. Handled by our friends at Tecca, the new TouchWiz UX looked every bit as slick and speedy here as it did on the regulation size 10.1-inch Tab, but on a screen that might be easier to handle. There's no real surprises - you knew the speakers had migrated around to the sides of the Tab's proprietary connector, right? - but now that Samsung's showing it off to the public a wide release is hopefully just around the corner.
source: Engadget

Motorola Xoom update brings SD card support

Xoom owners rejoice; the long awaited update which brings SD card functionality to the Android tablet is finally here. Verizon's recently announced update for the Motorola Xoom has been reported to have started rolling out to its customers. The update is labeled HTJ85 and will enable the SD card on the Xoom, a feature that the Xoom has been lacking since its launch, which is good news for those of you who are running out of space on your tablet.

Other features include: screen scaling compatibility mode - the ability to switch to double pixel mode for selected apps - great for running smartphone optimized apps on the tablets, adaptive streaming for Movies, Movie Rental improvements, new EAS policy: Allow Password Recovery, and improvements to Exchange ActiveSync and security.

To update your tablet, you can wait for the update notification or manually go to Settings > About tablet > System updates and select “Install now” if you get the update. As usual, back up your files and apps before performing the update, you never know what could go wrong. Let us know if you've received the update to your Xoom.
source: Ubergizmo

How would you change ASUS' Eee Pad Transformer?

It arrived but a few months ago, and already ASUS' Eee Pad Transformer has been eclipsed by quite a few of its Android-toting brethren. That said, it's still one of the most uniquely designed Android slates on the market, and those who believe in it seem to be unshakably loyal. If we had to guess, we'd say ASUS is already well on its way to conjuring up the second generation of this here tablet, and we'd love for you to telepathically send over a few tips on how to do it best. Or, you know, drop your suggestions in comments. Would you up the screen resolution? Change the aspect ratio? Tweak the matching dock? Tone down that glossy finish? The floor's yours.
source: Engadget

Archos Arnova 8 G2 tablet arrives at the FCC

Our friends at the FCC has been keeping themselves busy lately, what with many more smartphones and a zillion tablets going through their doors each day. Well, certainly their job is not an enviable one if you're swamped with a constant stream of gadgets (work, they call it), but once in a while something interesting would drop by their way – and the Archos Arnova 8 G2 tablet is certainly one of them. Hitting the FCC this week, this will be an 8″ Android-powered tablet that will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread right out of the box – which means you will still have to wait for Android 3.0 Honeycomb to arrive as a software update if you want to maximize its lifespan as a tablet.

4GB of internal memory can be further augmented through the use of an SD memory card slot, while everything ought to chug along just fine with its 1GHz processor. No concrete release date is available just yet, but we are looking at sometime later this month, where it will retail anywhere from $180 to $200 – which is more expensive than its predecessor, but since this is newer, perhaps the innards and quality justifies the price increase. Right?
source: Ubergizmo