(Adobe) Flash-y Toshiba tablet teaser site mocks the iPad

Toshiba's yet unnamed Android tablet has a new teaser site. The site shows off the tablet's features, confirms a few things, but at the same time, in its Flashiness, mocks the iPad as well.

If you use an iOS device to access the site (TheToshibaTablet.com), the site detects it and tells you that you can't watch the video, because it's Flash. It says:

“Such a shame. Add this to the list of interesting places on the Internet you can’t see on your device. Of course, if you had a Toshiba Tablet, you would enjoy the entire Internet. Yep, Flash sites too.”

The specs on the Toshiba tablet are:

• 10.1" display
• Tegra 2 dual-core processor
• Android 3.0 Honeycomb
• 2MP front facing camera
• Stereo Speakers
• Landscape mode dock
• HDMI out
• USB 2.0 port
• MiniUSB port
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• User-replaceable battery
• Combined volume, screen orientation, and power buttons
• Full-size SD card slot

The Toshiba tablet (come on; name it already) will face plenty of competition when it emerges. Not just other Android tablets like the Motorola Xoom, but the iPad 2, RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook, and perhaps even a webOS tablet.

Apple is pretty sure who will win, but after the way Android took on the iPhone in smartphones, that battle is far from certain.

Android 2.4 (Ice Cream) to be released in the summer: report

Google has just released Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), although only on one device so far (the Nexus S). Meanwhile, we know Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) is destined only for tablets. When will the next smartphone version of Android release, Ice Cream, be released?
Android 2.4, or Ice Cream, is set for a June / July release, according to Pocket-Lint's sources. An announcement on the new version will be at Google I/O at the beginning of May.  The summer, of course, is perfect for Ice Cream.

However, that timing should distract attention away from Android 2.4. After all, June / July is the normal time for an iPhone update, and this year, we're probably going to see both a CDMA version and GSM version of the iPhone 5, or whatever it ends up being called.

Although Honeycomb is meant for tablets only, that doesn't mean that future revisions of Android for smartphones won't incorporate some of the changes. In fact, that was implied in this interview with Matias Duarte, who heads up Google's user experience for Android.

Assuming Ice Cream maintains the 2.4 version, we may see the codelines and features merge post-3.0. It will be interesting to see how Duarte pulls that off.

LG G-Slate introduction videos show off far more about Honeycomb

T-Mobile has announced a tablet, the LG G-Slate. The device will carry Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), HSPA+, but size, price, and timing weren't mentioned. Because of the vagueness around the tablet, more interesting to some are the videos of the G-Slate, which give us more views of Honeycomb, the first tablet-optimized version of Android.

Honeycomb seems ready to make Android tablets truly iPhone competitors, if not killers. The UI and experience are indeed tablet-optimized, and make for a much better tablet (Sorry, Galaxy Tab).

Take a look at more Honeycomb videos below; the "T-Mobile® G-Slate with Google, by LG" press release is below, as well.

T-Mobile G-Slate by LG Is Set to Launch in the Coming Months on America’s Largest 4G Network

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at 2011 International CES, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones announced the upcoming Android™ Honeycomb-powered T-Mobile® G-Slate™ with Google™, by LG. Expected to be available in coming months, the G-Slate will be the first 4G tablet from the two companies powered by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the upcoming version of Google’s Android platform optimized for tablets.

“T-Mobile is proud to add a new milestone in the evolution of the Android platform with our first 4G tablet powered by Android 3.0,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “The T-Mobile G-Slate with Google will build on our rich history of Android innovation and leadership and deliver deep integration with Google services.”

“LG is dedicated to continuing its role as an innovation leader and is thrilled to announce its entry into the tablet marketplace with the G-Slate,” said Jeff Hwang, president of LG Mobile Phones. “Streamlining everyday tasks and enhancing entertainment with blazing fast 4G speed, the T-Mobile G-Slate by LG will deliver the latest in Android technology and provide users with an advanced tablet experience.”

The T-Mobile G-Slate will be among the first 4G tablets to fully benefit from the tablet-optimized Android 3.0 platform, which was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes and addresses the unique aspects of tablet use cases and form factors. The Honeycomb user experience improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It will also feature the latest Google Mobile innovations including Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D interaction, collection of more than 3 million eBooks and Google Talk™ with video and voice chat.

Additional product details will be disclosed at a later date.

T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at T-Mobile.com.

Motorola, Verizon make the Xoom official

Don't you love it when all the great announcements come before an event even begins. CES doesn't start official until tomorrow, and Motorola Mobility and Verizon just announced the long-rumored Motorola tablet, the Xoom.

Steve Jobs can't call this one DOA; it will have a 10.1-inch screen, a dual-core processor running at 1Ghz, 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording, 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 1080p HD support with HDMI-out, wi-fi and 3G connectivity, with an upgrade to 4G coming in Q2.

They also say there will be a Bluetooth keyboard sold, which will be great for some Android users who have found getting a Bluetooth keyboard to work with a Galaxy Tab to be a frustrating experience; they'll know this keyboard will work.

The dock for the device will be at the bottom if the device is in landscape mode; while this differs from the iPad, we'd have to say it's a better location, particularly if watching video.

Finally, the Xoom will run Honeycomb (Android 3.0), the first tablet optimized version of Android. The sneak peek Google has given shows that Honeycomb is no glossed-over "phone OS on a tablet." This could, in fact, be the first real Android iPad-challenger (not killer) and we could begin to see Android's effects on the iPad, much as it has taken market share away from the iPhone.

You can read the full press release below.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility Announce Motorola XOOM™ Tablet on Nation’s Largest and Most Reliable 3G Network

10.1-inch HD Tablet Offers Dual-Core Processing, Google’s Honeycomb Platform, and 1080p HD Video Content Support

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – CES –Jan. 5, 2011 – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today unveiled the innovative new tablet Motorola XOOM™ − the first device on Google’s new Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system designed from the ground up for tablets. The Honeycomb user experience improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization and features the latest Google Mobile innovations. Boasting a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing power, and 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, Motorola XOOM gives Verizon Wireless customers a new type of mobile computing experience on a stylishly thin device that is 4G LTE upgradeable.

Motorola XOOM redefines the tablet device category by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends and stay productive on the go. It allows consumers to experience HD content right on the device, supports 1080p HD video and HDMI output to display content on larger HD screens, and plays video and other rich web content seamlessly with Adobe® Flash® Player. Motorola XOOM features a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G LTE, as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera that captures video in 720p HD. It delivers console-like gaming performance on its 1280×800 display, and features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer and adaptive lighting for new types of applications. It also features Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction and delivers access to over 3 million Google eBooks and thousands of apps from Android Market™.

For working on the go, Motorola XOOM provides constant connectivity − including connecting to Gmail or Exchange email; opening and editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations; and viewing calendars and sending out appointments or meeting notices – with mobile broadband speeds. Its mobile hotspot capability provides an online connection for up to five other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

“Motorola XOOM is a powerful addition to Verizon’s product lineup and builds on our combined leadership with Motorola to deliver innovative mobile devices and service on the Android platform,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Motorola XOOM gives consumers complete access and control of their favorite personal content and work files whether through our nationwide 3G network, or through our lightning-fast 4G LTE network as it rolls out around the country.”

“Light, powerful and fundamentally different than anything else on the market, Motorola XOOM leverages the very best technology available today to redefine what a tablet experience can be,” said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobility. “The first device to feature software designed specifically for tablets, Motorola XOOM goes everywhere you do and delivers everything you need.”

The Motorola XOOM device will launch as a 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled device in Q1 2011 with an upgrade to 4G LTE in Q2. Starting in Q2 2011 the Motorola XOOM will be a 4G LTE/Wi-Fi- enabled device.

Honeycomb confirmed to be tablet-only, via Google promotional video

Honeycomb, or Android 3.0, is to be the first tablet-optimized Android version, and not that much is known about it, although rumors of higher hardware requirements are rumbling. However, Google has gone and posted a teaser video on Honeycomb, pre-CES, so come one, come all, and take a look.

The fact that they use the phrase "Built Entirely For Tablet" means, as some have surmised, that you won't see Honeycomb on a smartphone. The video shows that Honeycomb has a revised UI, which carries over many of the changes from Gingerbread, meaning a more polished, professional, and darker look.

YouTube gets a major upgrade, and Google Talk includes built-in video calling. Everything looks smooth, and yes, tablet-optimized. Video embedded in the sidebar; take a look, and when is that first Honeycomb tablet coming? Motorola Xoom? Anyone?

OEM reports Honeycomb to require more beeswax: dual-core CPU, 1280 x 720 screen

Not too much is known about the first tablet-optimized version of Android, Honeycomb, although we know some OEMs are waiting for it before releasing a tablet. One rumor that's being spread around, however, is that Honeycomb (Android 3.) will require a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor to run properly, and a 1280 x 720 screen.

That information comes from Bobby Cha, managing director of Korean consumer electronics firm Enspert, which is working on Android 2.2 / 2.3 / 3.0 devices. Right now, NVIDIA's Tegra 2 is the only chipset in products on the market to include a Cortex-A9 processor.

Although Cha mentioned a 1280 x 720, a 10-inch screen is not required. Android 3.0 will work just fine on 7-inch screens, he noted. However, if this is true, most of the existing Android tablets won't be upgradeable to Honeycomb. It would mean the Samsung's Galaxy Tabs, for example, could be upgraded to Gingerbread (Android 2.3), but not Honeycomb.

A number of manufacturers are expected to unveil Android tablets at CES. Among them will be Motorola, which has already teased its upcoming tablet, expected to be named Xoom, as running Honeycomb.

Despite the higher-end requirements, we should expect Honeycomb to eventually land on lower-cost products as parts costs come down.

"You're going to see price erosion on many of the components in tablets right now. Folks like Samsung, the industry heavyweights, are going to add pressure to the component guys to lower their costs. A tablet is still kind of an expensive toy."

It is true that most people who have a tablet also need a smartphone to carry with them. For most, it's not a replacement device (at least for a smartphone, but perhaps for a netbook), but rather an additional device, requiring more disposable income.

Cha said Honeycomb will probably be ready for manufacturers to install "towards the end of January," although Motorola, based on its teasing, might have its Xoom with Honeycomb installed. Toshiba earlier announced its unnamed 10.1-inch tablet, but as yet, it does not have operable software on it.

Toshiba announces 10.1" tablet, awaits Honeycomb

Ahead of CES, Toshiba has announced an Android-powered tablet. The device heads up what is expected to be a wave of Android tablets at CES, including the Motorola Xoom and the Vizio Via Tab.

Toshiba's 10.1-inch Android tablet, exceeding the 10-inch requirement set down by Steve Jobs, so it cannot be called DOA (strangely, as we've pointed out, the iPad actually has a 9.7-inch display), is still unnamed. It will weight 1.7-pound and be 0.6-inches thick.

It will be powered by NVIDIA's dual-core Tegra 2, sport a 1280 x 800 capacitive display, and carry an accelerometer and ambient light sensor to use with Toshiba's Adaptive Display technology.

The device will also ship with a 5MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. It will also have the requisite SD and mini-USB slots, but in addition, HDMI and full-sized USB, as well.

The hold-up to the tablet is that it awaits Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Toshiba states that the tablet will be released in the first half of 2011, and that is probably doable with Motorola also chomping at the bit for the breakfast cereal-named Android release.

Engadget has a gallery of shots, in addition to the one above, at their site.