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Netbooks hanging on in there say analysts
Posted on April 21st, 2011 2 comments
Despite having a great 2010, tablet devices have not succeeded in killing off the stubborn netbook say analysts.A report from ABI Research showed that, although tablet devices experienced massive growth over the second half of last year, markets for alternative devices – such as e-readers and netbooks – also expanded.
Jeff Orr, senior practice director at ABI Research noted that the dominance of tablet devices had been slightly exaggerated.
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Sony plan release of Android Honeycomb tablet
Posted on April 4th, 2011 No comments
Sony have announced plans to join the fray with an Android 3.0 tablet of their own.The tablet – running Google’s tablet optimised OS – is currently unnamed but is expected be released by the end of the year.
The device is expected to use a 9.4 inch touchscreen display and is rumoured to be a gaming orientated device, able to play games from Sony’s PlayStation 1 console, released way back in 1994.
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Lenovo announce plans for LePad follow-up
Posted on March 30th, 2011 No comments
Lenovo have announced that they plan to follow up their new LePad tablet with the LePad 2 by October 2011. The LePad has not even been released in the UK yet.The company have described the follow up as a lighter and thinner second generation version of the LePad.
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Android Honeycomb apps in short supply as Motorola Xoom prepares for launch
Posted on March 30th, 2011 1 comment
Native apps for Google’s Android Honeycomb are still scarce as one of Honeycomb’s big hitters – the Motorola Xoom – prepares for a UK launch.Tech blogger, Justin Williams has identified just 20 applications specifically and exclusively designed for Honeycomb tablets available on the Android Marketplace, with the remainder being simply “upconverted” Android v2.0 apps.
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Research shows Brits ‘uninterested’ in tablet computers
Posted on March 29th, 2011 No comments
An expansive survey by analysts, TNS has discovered that only 17% of UK consumers would consider purchasing a tablet over the next six months.This was backed up by a similar survey conducted by broadbandgenie.co.uk, which found that just under 20% of Brits said they probably would purchase a tablet device.
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Lenovo predict tablet shipment problems due to memory-chip supply
Posted on March 29th, 2011 No comments
Tech firm, Lenovo are predicting potential problems with shipments of their new tablet – the LePad – due to a shortage of memory chips.The 1GB double data rate random access chips – or DRAMs – used by manufacturers worldwide, are predominately made in Japan, and supplies have fallen following the recent tragedies in the country.
Lenovo’s Vice President, Chen Xudong said that the problems with supply would not be limited to the Launch of Lenovo’s LePad and would effect the launch of devices from other manufacturers.
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RIM relying on successful PlayBook launch after poor sales
Posted on March 26th, 2011 2 comments
Canadian firm, Research in Motion – or RIM – have reported yet another quarter of negative growth as their smartphone market share dips below a quarter.Now commanding only 22% of the smartphone market, RIM are reliant on a successful launch for their PlayBook tablet to boost the company’s fortunes.
The device is scheduled for release in the US and Canada on April 19th, making the next three weeks a nervous time for CEO Jim Balsillie and his colleagues at RIM.
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Tablet devices recommended for use in House of Commons
Posted on March 25th, 2011 No comments
A parliamentary committee has recommended the use of tablet devices and smartphones during debates in the Commons, according to a report published yesterday.MP’s will also be allowed to access Twitter from the chamber using the devices, although this usage is dependant on individuals “using their good sense and behaving with courtesy”.
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Enormous interest in Apple’s iPad 2 indicates yet more growth for tablet market
Posted on March 25th, 2011 No comments
Thousands of shoppers queued outside stores to get their hands on the latest Apple tablet, which was released today at 5pm.The massive interest in the iPad 2 has already led to speculation that the number of tablets sold in this quarter alone will be more than in the whole of 2010.
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Motorola executive praises Apple, sheds no light on future of Xoom
Posted on March 24th, 2011 No comments
Motorola have praised Apple’s endeavours in the tablet market and their part in making tablet devices amongst the most sought-after pieces of tech around.Rather than expressing bitterness at the US company’s dominance of the sector, Motorola executive, Andy Hooper called Apple a “great competitor to have” and spoke of the iPad device as a “benchmark” for others to follow.
Hooper, who is Motorola’ director for converged experiences and software in Europe and the Middle East, said Apple have shown other manufacturers the potential of the tablet market:
