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Google launching a Chrome OS tablet on Verizon, goes on sale November 26
Yes, our source tells us that Google is building a Chrome OS tablet. It's real, and it's being built by HTC. No surprise there, since HTC churned out the Nexus One for Google.
Yes, they plan to offer it in conjunction with Verizon -- which probably doesn't come as a shock to anybody at this point. The two recently tag-teamed that Net Neutrality proposal and they've had plenty of discussions in the past about cooperating in some capacity.
As for the launch date of November 26th, well, that's all kinds of brilliant. It's Black Friday 2010 and the busiest shopping day of the year in the U.S. -- so what better day to have a shiny new tablet in the cabinet at Verizon kiosks and stores all over the country? You can bet Google's Chrome OS tablet will be heavily subsidized, and I'd go so far as to say it will be substantially cheaper than the iPad -- if not totally free -- with a Verizon data contract.
So what will the Google tablet pack for hardware? While our source didn't provide any specifics, my guess is that the device could be based on NVidia's Tegra 2 platform and sport a 1280x720 multitouch display, 2GB of RAM, minimum 32GB SSD, WiFi/Bluetooth/LTE connectivity, GPS, webcam, and possibly expandable storage via a multi-card reader. Again, these were not given to us by our source, but expect it to be every bit as geek-tastic as the Nexus One -- Google won't want to disappoint its early adopters.
Comments
56
Subscribe to commentsRohitAug 18th 2010 9:23AM
The screen size?
CharbaxAug 18th 2010 4:15PM
Pixel Qi 10" capacitive wide view anti-glare would be the only right choice for them to use. Cause then the tablet includes full Google Editions/Google Books access, has 50 hours battery runtime and has a readable screen of same quality as e-ink Kindle DX type. All the while backlight switch fully activates full color mode that's just the same as on an ipad.
selliepolaAug 18th 2010 4:22PM
This is the real super tablet. I mean it beats the iPad on every single way. Impressions. http://2su.de/wrU
leonaeyesAug 21st 2010 10:14AM
If its going to be powered by Android, then they should pumped with it something that would make it stand-out from those crappy android tablets we've seen earlier. Hopefully, they will push that desktop-like multi-tasking concept. New Impressions. http://bit.ly/9zreNk
patrickkettnerAug 18th 2010 9:38AM
Why would it be free on contract? Its a device more expensive than a phone to produce that will consume more network resources then a phone. Its not as though they'd do it to undermine the iPad, because they're not doing it with the iPhone.
Undercut the iPads price? Perhaps. Free? No way.
Michael NeumayrAug 18th 2010 12:10PM
This is not unusual. In Austria and I also think in the rest of Europe mobile phones are free on contract. But the contract lasts at least 24 months.
Its a marketing tool. Get an iPhone for 0 Euro, but you have to do the biggest contract. (eg: 49 euro per month. 2000 minutes nationwide, 200 minutes within the EU, 1000 messages, 2 GB data transfer)
Smart people still buy the phone on their own cause its stupid to be locked on a contract for 24 months.
patrickkettnerAug 18th 2010 12:20PM
It would be /very/ unusual if it was released in the market its rumored to be coming out in. It would be a carrier decision (unless google wanted to pay a few hundred per user, and somehow talk Verizon into a sweetheart deal).
I doubt Verizon, the most expensive carrier in the US, would give away tablets out of the goodness of their hearts.
I am saying there is zero precedent or indication that this would happen in America, on Verizon of all carriers.
Lee MathewsAug 18th 2010 2:22PM
Might be worth noting that Verizon already offers a netbook for $19.99 on contract with a MIR.
Tom RossAug 19th 2010 8:10AM
Of course it could be subsidized, but it's all a function of the price of the contract. Are people willing to sign a $60 contract in exchange for a free tablet? Don't think so.
BazAug 18th 2010 9:42AM
Sounds very interesting, but too bad its being attached to a specific wireless provider. Google / HTC need to do an 'iPad' here - offer as well a device that has no 3G capability or, a la iPhone 4, no contract at all required.
As its stands right now, great idea but its already limited its marketshare.
Guess I'm still waiting on a real, truly functional, self-contained tablet computer at a reasonable price.
Scott SliwinskiAug 18th 2010 10:18AM
You could say the same thing about an IPHONE: "great idea but its already limited its marketshare."
BazAug 18th 2010 10:27AM
Oh Scott, that's the very least I would say about the iPhone...
;)
But at least Apple has recognized there's potentially more profit (and marketshare) in letting the consumer choose their wireless providers and Plans. That said, their iOS4 has some real competition out there and the moment someone comes out with a product that is not a 'companion device' - or in Apple's case, a Content Delivery Device - then there will be a run for the prize.
216Aug 18th 2010 9:54AM
Ok I'll believe that Google is launching a Tablet soon. Google's due to launch Chrome OS any second now anyway so it makes sense.
HOWEVER
It'd be a VERY VERY stupid idea to launch a new product...ON BLACK FRIDAY. So no, I don't believe that part
CleveAug 18th 2010 10:24AM
HTC doesn't use NVIDIA for its chips. It uses Qualcomm. Otherwise, you made up a pretty solid tale.
Lee MathewsAug 18th 2010 10:25AM
Hardware is pure speculation -- my source didn't have any details for me. Launch date and carrier he did have.
Lee MathewsAug 18th 2010 10:30AM
Also, there have been rumblings about HTC using NVidia in some upcoming products...
http://www.slashgear.com/htc-to-use-nvidia-tegra-for-1080p-capable-smartphones-1630752/
ApphackerAug 18th 2010 10:46AM
I believe the correct title should be "Verizon is launching an HTC tablet with Google's Chrome OS" Google Chrome is an open source OS that HTC used for their tablet that Verizon is selling. Google probably had something to do with it, but your title is really off the mark.
Lee MathewsAug 18th 2010 10:50AM
No, my source tells me it's Google hardware -- like the N1.
ApphackerAug 18th 2010 10:57AM
N1 was HTC hardware sold via Google's Website. So you are saying Verizon is not selling this? Google is selling it? And it will work on the Verizon network? I believe such a thing seems incredibly unlikely. Especially since everyone considers the N1 (I own one) a failure.
Lee MathewsAug 18th 2010 10:59AM
By this logic, then, the iPad is Foxconn hardware?
HTC, Google. Call it what you want, eye of the beholder, etc!