From the time it had been clear that Android 2.2 is not a perfect suit for tablet devices,Google got itself under self-created pressure. As a result, people were expecting the early roll-out of next version of Android OS 3.0 (Gingerbread) from Google. Today Google has set the expectations of all hardware & software vendors in a right direction by confirming the launch of Android 3.0 in December, as reported by hardware community in Taiwan.
It was always believed that Google is monitoring the growth of tablet PC very closely and to have better cap over the tablet PC market share. Company wanted to deliver the best suitable OS to all HW vendors within such time frame when all of them would be ready to ship their iPad rivals. As most of the tablet device manufacturers like LG, Toshiba, Acer and Samsung have already planned for roll-out in January next year, Google has committed to deliver the new OS – which is meant more for Tablets – in December.
Currently Samsung Galaxy Tab, which is based on android 2.2, is gearing up to to ship from 1 November. However, company has confirmed that Android v 2.2 is not suitable for tablets as it has been developed keeping touch technology, specifically for smartphones, in mind. Despite of hard deadlines Google don’t know want to take any chance by delaying the shipment of Android 3.0 which may cause the manufacturers to occur losses and as a result will keep them away from Android platform.
After such announcement it’s quite possible that other manufacturers like Toshiba, Lenovo, Asus and HTC will hold their tablet launch until Android 3.0 release. Google is also committed to launch Android 4.0 in second half of 2011. An aggressive strategy of Google towards touch device OS clearly indicates the importance and overall future of such devices.
Google is also challenging the other such OS by keeping the adoption cost at lower end. While Windows OS license for such devices costs around U.S. $50-60, Android comes with an attractive price tag of just $10. Besides the software part a significant difference of USD 30 between Intel and ARM processor also a factor for players to bid on Android platform for their tablet devices.
With all such announcements and release dates, you can expect Las Vegas Consumer Electronic Show, scheduled to be held in January 2011, to be the witness for many tablet devices launch together.
