Samsung’s iPad rival got a formal unveiling at the IFA trade show in Germany Thursday and it will head for U.S shores “soon after” it lands in Europe in September, said Samsung.
Called the Galaxy Tab, it’s one of the first leading-brand tablets to provide many consumer electronics retailers with an alternative to the iPad for the holidays.
The Galaxy Tab is smaller than the iPad, with a 7-inch screen and it may double as a phone, albeit, a large one. It runs on the recent Android version 2.2 (Froyo) and it is the first DivX certified tablet.
The Galaxy includes 3G, WiFi-n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and rear and front facing cameras. It’s based on Android with access to Android apps and its storage comes in 16 or 32 GB with 32GB MicroSD expansion. It offers eReading powered by Kobo with access to the Kobo eBookstore and it supports HD video.
With its mobile phone capability, the device can be placed on a desk and used a speakerphone. Or with a Bluetooth headset, users can keep it in a purse or briefcase and talk on the phone. It’s front facing camera permits video conferencing.
“Samsung recognizes the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market and we believe that the Samsung GALAXY Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market,” said JK Shin, president of Samsung’s mobile communications.
The device is powered by a Cortex A8 1.0GHz application processor.
