It seems like Samsung just can’t be stopped as they start to push the Android OS heavier than any other manufacturer today. The tablet is the next evolution in the life of Android, and Samsung has now cut deals to get the Galaxy Tab with Verizon, Sprint and AT&T to carry the Google-powered device.
With the US unveiling set for September 16th in New York City’s Time Warner Center, we can expect to see the Samsung Tab hitting the consumer world very soon after this. According to some, we could expect to see this device released before the end of this month.
One difference with how Samsung is approaching the Tab is the lack of exclusive deals with any of the carriers, allowing a much deeper penetration of the US markets. Will this allow Samsung to be even more successful than Apple with its AT&T exclusivity in the US? We won’t really know until the device gets out in the hands of the people that matter, but the future is looking very bright for Samsung.
The only missing link so far is T-Mobile, who has so far failed to work out a deal with Samsung to carry the Tab, but I’m sure something will get worked out eventually.
AT&T and Sprint have been quoted as saying they will offer the Samsung Tab for less than the wholesale price of the device using the normal forms of subsidization you can expect from the carriers. There has yet to be any information released about packages and plans for the device.
Our good friend, TheDroidGuy had plenty of one-on-one time with the device and his response was very positive, stating:
“the 7″ tablet was the perfect size to hold in one hand while easily typing on the Swype keyboard using the other”.
TheDroidGuy Hands On with the Samsung Tab at IFA, Berlin
Tim Bray, an employee of Google has also written a small review of the new device that he received in the mail from Samsung. He likes the device but there are some small quirks he takes issue with. You can read more on his blog, OnGoing, where he writes his personal thoughts of, well, just about anything.
What would be cool would be if carriers added special plans for people who already have smartphones so you could mix the devices into a single plan. This would make sense to me as you’re probably only going to be using one of the devices at a time. Doubt this would happen though, as it would mean less income for the carriers.
Is the world ready for Android Tablets? With the success of the iPad, I would say that’s a big YES as long as the Android experience is all it’s expected to be on the Tablet. Another deciding factor is the availability of applications to take advantage of the larger tablet screen, which will affect how successful the new generation of devices will be.
What do you think, will you be getting a Tablet once they start rolling out?
