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Tag: tablet

  • Windows 11’s Tablet-Optimized Taskbar Is Back

    Windows 11’s Tablet-Optimized Taskbar Is Back

    Microsoft is re-introducing the tablet-optimized taskbar for Windows 11 to the Dev Channel, giving users a chance to continue testing it.

    Microsoft first introduced the updated taskbar in February before removing it from testing to continue developing and improving it internally. The company has evidently made enough improvement to warrant adding it back to the Dev Channel.

    “We’re re-introducing the touch-optimized taskbar that’s designed to make you feel more confident and comfortable using your device as a tablet,” the company writes in a blog post. “Your taskbar will automatically transition to this optimized version when you disconnect or fold back the keyboard on your 2-in-1 device. This feature only works on devices that can be used as tablets. It does not work on laptops or desktop PCs.

    “As a reminder, there are two states of this taskbar: collapsed and expanded. In the collapsed state, the taskbar gets out of your way, gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar when you’re holding your tablet. In the expanded state, the taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch. You can easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device.”

    The new taskbar should significantly improve the workflow on 2-in-1 devices.

  • 2021 iPad Pro Will Rival M1 Mac Performance

    2021 iPad Pro Will Rival M1 Mac Performance

    The 2021 iPad Pro, expected later this month, is rumored to have an upgraded processor that will rival the M1 in Apple’s recent Macs.

    The iPad Pro is the high-end iPad model targeted at professionals and creators. As such, it consistently delivers features and performance that best Apple’s other iPads, and leaves Android tablets in the dust.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, that lead is set to expand in a big way, with the next-generation iPad Pro rivaling the M1. Apple introduced the M1 Macs in November. The M1 is based on the same chips already used in the iPhones and iPads, but boasts significantly better performance, thanks to its 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.

    In addition to sporting a more powerful chip, the larger iPad Pro will also feature a mini-LED display, offering greater brightness and contrast. The new display will make the tablet slightly thicker, although it will retain the same overall design. Ideally, this should allow the new model to use the existing Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard peripherals.

    Gurman rounds out his iPad Pro predictions by saying the new model will also feature better cameras, as well as 5G. Apple is expected to include both the high-band mmWave, as well as low-band support. This would enable it to take advantage of carriers’ nationwide 5G networks, as well as their fastest 5G in cities and urban areas, much like the iPhone 12.

    The combination of 5G and world-class performance should make the iPad Pro an ideal option for professionals, creators, students and remote workers. Notably, Gurman has an excellent track record with his Apple predictions, making it almost certain the iPad Pro released in March will match the specs he’s provided.

  • Google Asking For Help With Its Fuchsia OS

    Google Asking For Help With Its Fuchsia OS

    Google is opening the door to greater collaboration with the open source community on its latest operating system (OS) endeavorer, Fuchsia.

    Google has been working on Fuchsia since at least 2016, when its existence was first publicly known. Much of Fuchsia’s development has been shrouded in mystery, and Google has been light on details. It appears to primarily be aimed at phone and tablets, although Google has hinted that it could be used on a wider array of devices.

    The obvious point of reference is Android, with many believing Fuchsia represents a possible Android replacement. One big difference is the kernel, or core, of the OS. While Android is based on a Linux kernel, Fuchsia has a completely new kernel called Zircon. This may be in an effort to address the shortcomings Android has experienced.

    For those interested in seeing what Fuchsia looks like, Ars Technica built a copy of the project and posted a gallery of screenshots.

    In the meantime, however, Google is making it easier for the open source community to contribute to the project.

    Starting today, we are expanding Fuchsia’s open source model to make it easier for the public to engage with the project. We have created new public mailing lists for project discussions, added a governance model to clarify how strategic decisions are made, and opened up the issue tracker for public contributors to see what’s being worked on. As an open source effort, we welcome high-quality, well-tested contributions from all. There is now a process to become a member to submit patches, or a committer with full write access.

    In addition, we are also publishing a technical roadmap for Fuchsia to provide better insights for project direction and priorities. Some of the highlights of the roadmap are working on a driver framework for updating the kernel independently of the drivers, improving file systems for performance, and expanding the input pipeline for accessibility.

    The fact that Google is opening the door to more collaboration may indicate an acceleration of this plans. It will be interesting to see where Fuchsia goes, and what devices Google uses it on.

    Image Credit: Ars Technica

  • TCL Phone Will Have Slide-Out Screen, Doubles As Tablet

    TCL Phone Will Have Slide-Out Screen, Doubles As Tablet

    Mobile World Congress 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus, robbing vendors of one of the best launch events of the year.

    It appears TCL was planning on unveiling a head-turning new smartphone design that doubles as a tablet. According to leaked photos provided to CNET by a trusted source, TCL’s design features a type of slide-out mechanism to transform a somewhat traditional looking smartphone into a tablet form factor.

    The design is a major departure from foldable phones, such as those from Samsung and Motorola. Exactly how the mechanism works is unclear, but CNET’s Jessica Dolcourt makes the following observations:

    Image Credit: CNET
    Image Credit: CNET

    “Poring over the photos, the design of this TCL concept phone appears to use one continuous display, with curved screens on either side. Between the center of the phone and the dual front-facing camera along the right side, there’s a break in the chassis where you can pull the two sides apart to expose the surplus screen. It’d be much like sliding back the sides of your dining room table to add a leaf that seats more guests.

    “It isn’t clear exactly how the mechanism inside would work, but my best guess is that one portion of the flexible display bends or wraps behind the other. This might make the phone a little thicker than usual.”

    Hopefully there will be an official announcement, along with specs and pricing, available soon. TCL’s innovative take on the design is likely to win a fair share of customers.

     

    Image Credit: CNET

  • Apple Widened Its Tablet Lead in 2019

    Apple Widened Its Tablet Lead in 2019

    IDC’s year-end report on the tablet market shows good news for Apple and, to a lesser extent, Amazon—and bad news for pretty much everyone else.

    According to IDC’s research, Apple widened its market share lead over the course of 2019, going from 29.6% in 2018 to 34.6% in 2019. In particular, the 10.2-inch iPad was a big hit, accounting for 65% of the company’s tablet sales.

    Amazon also had a decent year. Although the company posted a 29% decrease in 4Q19 shipments, compared with Q418, Amazon saw an overall increase of 9.9% market share for the year in total, compared with 2018.

    In contrast, Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo and others all saw declines in the their market share. Even the segment in general saw an overall decline of 1.5%, making Apple and Amazon’s positive results all the more impressive.

  • CES 2020: Samsung Introduces SelfieType Virtual Keyboard

    CES 2020: Samsung Introduces SelfieType Virtual Keyboard

    Anyone who finds smartphone screen keyboards way too small should be interested in Samsung’s SelfieType, a virtual keyboard it is showcasing at CES 2020.

    According to the company’s website, Samsung’s SelfieType uses a combination of artificial intelligence and the front-facing camera to provide a unique typing experience.

    “A proprietary SelfieType AI engine analyzes finger movements coming from the front camera, and converts them into QWERTY keyboard inputs. SelfieType requires no additional hardware and it is highly adaptable to various mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.”

    For the average consumer, this type of technology is one of the most interesting—and practical—announcements coming out of CES 2020. As smartphones and tablets have become more powerful, they have replaced traditional PCs for many individuals. Unfortunately, using an onscreen keyboard is not an ideal experience, especially for longer sessions. SelfieType opens up another option, and gives smaller smartphone devices a larger typing area without sacrificing weight or form factor.

  • CES 2020: Lenovo Debuts World’s First Foldable PC

    CES 2020: Lenovo Debuts World’s First Foldable PC

    Further blurring the lines between tablet and computer, Lenovo has unveiled the world’s first foldable PC.

    Image Source: Lenovo
    Image Source: Lenovo

    The ThinkPad X1 Fold is designed to leverage the advantages of a traditional computer, with the benefits of a tablet or smartphone. With book-style form factor, the device offers the ability to use a single large screen or two smaller ones. The device can be held in portrait mode or folded in landscape mode, similar to a laptop. The ThinkPad also includes a Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard that stores inside the PC, held by magnets, ready for use when needed.

    “In portrait orientation, users can take notes or draw out concepts using the Active Pen or scroll through and sign a legal document. Fold the screen out completely flat and use as a tablet or bend it slightly to read a few chapters on your next flight like a book.

    Image Source: Lenovo
    Image Source: Lenovo

     

    “In a more familiar laptop orientation, users can leverage two independent displays to optimize efficiency during certain multitasking activities. Participate in a video call on the upper screen while reviewing and editing a presentation on the lower screen. Compare documents, one above the other or take notes on one screen while watching a lecture on the other. These use cases can of course be done in portrait or landscape mode, whichever suits the user best.

    “Finally, X1 Fold is perfectly suited in an office environment. Connect a full-size keyboard and mouse and a second display via USB Type-C and quickly place the device in the optional ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand in portrait or landscape mode. Users will enjoy the performance benefits of a complete desk solution.”

    The ThinkPad will offer optional 5G for users who want to take advantage of high-speed connectivity. Lenovo’s foldable PC is a good example of the fundamental shifts PC design is experiencing as result of new technologies and capabilities.

  • Samsung Lists 5G Galaxy Tab S6 On Its Website

    Samsung Lists 5G Galaxy Tab S6 On Its Website

    Apple’s iPad has long enjoyed the top spot among tablets, with 31.4 percent of the market in the third quarter of 2019. Despite attempts by Microsoft, Samsung and Google to dethrone Apple, the iPad has continued to dominate.

    According to Samsung’s website, however, the Galaxy Tab S6 may have what it takes to challenge the iPad: 5G. The 5G-enabled tablet is showing up with a “coming soon” label.

    Details are sparse, with no information on release date, price or specifications. It’s a safe bet the device will command a premium, though, much like the 5G versions of its popular phones. It is also unclear what 5G bands the device will support: low-band, mid-range or the fastest mmWave.

    What is clear is that Samsung may, at least in the short-term, give Apple a run for its money with the 5G Galaxy Tab S6.

  • Android Tablets For Every Budget

    Android Tablets For Every Budget

    These days everyone who is anyone owns at least one tablet. However, not everyone wants to break the bank in order to get their hands on one.

    Luckily, there are tablets available for every budget.

    Depending on how much you have available to spend, these are the tablets you’ll definitely want to check out.

    Android Tablets Under $100

    I’m going to be honest with you: The less money you spend on a tablet, the more crappy the tablet is likely to be. We’re talking low memory, non-existent storage, and very few “goodies”.

    If affordability is an issue, your best option is the Hisense Sero 7 LT which is currently available at Walmart for about $70. It has WiFi capabilities, a seven inch touch screen, 4GB of storage space (which can be expanded with a microSD card) and is Google-friendly.

    The Hisense Sero 7 LT also has a camera for taking pictures and recording video.

    If you’re looking for a cheap “starter tablet”, this is for you.

    If you want a bit more bang for your buck, you can check out the HP 7 Plus.

    It has double the storage memory of the Hisense Sero 7 LT and is more highly recommended of the two android tablets. At $99.99 it can also be considered something of a bargain.

    Android Tablets Under $250

    Quality tablets will usually cost you somewhere between $150 and $250 dollars. The best and most popular tablets you can get in this price range are typically Samsung products.

    Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs are seen as the answer to Apple’s iPads and are far more affordable.

    The HP Slate S8-7600US is another option. The eight inch touch screen tablet actually comes equipped with Beats audio.

    The most buzzed about tablet on the market right now is actually the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

    At $500, it is most definitely among the priciest non-Apple tablets, but it’s also considered the best option for money well spent. If you can afford it, then definitely go for it!

    Know An Affordable Tablet Worth Recommending? Please Share In The Comments Below!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Home Security Systems: Affordable Advanced Options

    If you’re looking for more home security options than ADT or the other Big Guy security systems, you may not have to settle for a drooly dog and the Batman signal– there are more affordable options for your piece of mind.

    There is a new generation of DIY security options that you should probably learn about– these can be used with apartments, so easy to install that you can do it yourself, and there are no contracts and often no monthly fees. You can control the devices from your tablet or smartphone unlike many of the traditional Big Boys, and was the fact that they are affordable mentioned?

    Here are the top three along with their prices and features:

    iSmartAlarm
    This security system is known as one the first and best “smart security systems.” It starts at the $199 of most of these security systems, along with an optional camera for $149 more. The basic system offers motion sensors, contact sensors for doors and windows, panic sirens and more. The optional camera allows you to view your home from your smartphone or tablet and can automatically take pictures upon a break-in.

    Canary
    The Canary of Indiegogo fame starts at $199 and has no use for further add-ons; it has a night-vision-ready camera, temperature, motion and humidity sensors, and an adaptive technology that learns your household movements while allowing smartphone access. According to its creators, it will be available May 2014

    Viper Home
    Viper Home is known for its consistency, and their basic package has no extra fees besides the optional $9.99 a month for an added camera. The fees make it a bit look less than when compared to the fee-free systems, but its integration with automotive security (these are the same guys that make the car alarm that audibly warns “Protected by Viper, stand back”) and the awesome ability to work during power outages put it on top.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • iPad Pro Potentially Hitting Markets in 2014

    With the dawn of a new year comes ever-constant speculation from tech websites about what the newest gizmos and gadgets will be for the upcoming year. Thus far, most rumors point toward the excitement of a potential iPad Pro, rumored to be announced in the fall of 2014.

    The rumors received some credence and legitimacy when Evercore Partners‘s Patrick Wang released his thoughts on Apple’s newest project:

    Arriving in fall ‘14, Apple goes Enterprise with an 12” iPad. Powered by the A8 chip (perhaps 4C), this expands ARM’s reach and, once again, transforms the traditional notebook market as we know it. Expect a 2-1 hybrid – think iPad + MBA – similar to how most iPads are used in the workplace and in the same spirit of MSFT’s Surface. We discussed A7 in detail, the benefits of 64b, and why it makes sense in our note. Two obstacles: (1) Microsoft Office not just Office 365 and (2) local storage. This would hit Intel in an area of strength – enterprise NBs – and open up the monopoly to price competition, a common theme for Intel in 2014.

    By going “enterprise”, Wang does not mean that Apple is going to follow in Star Trek‘s footsteps and “boldly go where no man has gone before,” but rather that Apple is going to develop a product to cater more toward businesses.

    The move makes sense if one can believe the rest of the rumors surrounding the technology which is planned to be used in the iPad Pro. Apple recently announced its intentions to switch to 64-bit ARM architecture in its newest CPU, allowing for the creation of a new device which could accommodate the RAM necessary to make use of the better processor.

    The new 64-bit ARM architecture, coupled with the proposed 12-inch screen, could be used to “create a hybrid-style device that could serve as both a tablet and a notebook, and would make the iPad lineup more appealing to business customers,” according to Neil Hughes, a writer for Apple Insider.

    If Hughes’s prediction is correct, then iPad Pro would be a direct competitor with Microsoft’s Surface, a product which Microsoft recently had to take a $900 million write down on due to paltry sales.

    However, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has previously stated his disinterest and dislike of Microsoft’s Surface multiple times, most recently stating that “Our competition is confused. They’re turning tablets into PCs and PCs into tablets. Who knows what they’re going to do next?”

    One thing is for certain: If Apple decides to create a hybrid notebook-tablet in the iPad Pro, it will be a higher end, luxury product marketed toward those with deeper pockets. And considering the iPad Pro would be an enterprise device, Apple would most likely succeed where Microsoft has failed.

    Image via YouTube

  • Best Tablets For That Special Someone On Your Holiday Shopping List

    Tablet computers have brought a whole new definition to the word “convenient;” they have the mobility and ease of accessibility of a smart phone, but also embrace the clarity and versatility of a laptop computer. Tablet computers are useful for people of all ages and interests; a tablet computer can be just as helpful to an elementary school child learning multiplication as it would be to a business professional traveling between meetings, or a busy college kid juggling multiple assignments and papers during finals week (much like this writer). As the Christmas season draws near, the hype over tablet computers seems to intensify, as the versatility attributed to the devices makes them the perfect gift for almost everyone on a potential shopping list. Just what tablets are the best, and for who, though?

    Luckily, multiple spots around the net have taken it upon themselves to come up with definitive lists, showcasing the best of the best that the tablet market has to offer. The folks over at i4u news published a list aptly titled, “The Best Tablets to buy as Holiday Gifts.” They list prices alongside their top thirteen picks, and even include a few tablets made especially for children. Prices range from as cheap as $63 to as extravagant as almost $500.

    Yahoo news also released a guide to the “Best 7 Inch Tablets of 2013,” and included selections from all the major providers, including Apple, Google, and Amazon. The list suggests tablets based on their “performance, display and usability,” and includes such big-name items as the Kindle Fire, the iPad Mini, and the Nexus 7.

    Tablets certainly do make a great gift for almost any person on your shopping list, and as they become more widely available, the possibility of picking up a tablet for even the most tricky of gift recipients becomes a more and more realistic option. So, tell us, WebProNews readers; are you planning on snagging a Tablet for yourself or someone else this holiday season? What would you consider the best tablet?

    [Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.]

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Sales Predicted to be Slow

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Sales Predicted to be Slow

    Earlier this week, Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. The device is Samsung’s direct competitor to the iPad, and comes with impressive specs and software. However, the tablet industry is currently in a shift toward smaller tablets. The less-expensive 7-inch tablet category is already taking a bite out of the sales of larger tablets, a trend that seems likely to continue even as mini-tablets edge up toward 8-inch screens.

    Today DigiTimes is reporting that even the tech supply chain isn’t bullish on the Galaxy Note 10.1’s prospects. The report cites unnamed “industry sources” as saying ititial sales of the Note 10.1 are expected to be only 400,000 to 600,000 units per month. That’s an estimate for worldwide unit sales. These same sources expect Samsung to cut component orders for the Note 10.1 shortly after its September 25 release.

    The report blames the low expectations squarely on the popularity of 7-inch tablets. Smaller tablets now account for a clear majority of tablet sales, and even Apple is rumored to have lowered its orders for its full-sized iPad. DigiTimes’ sources even put forth the theory that even Samsung has low expectations for the Note 10.1, and that the company is releasing the tablet simply to defend its market share of the premium tablet market.

    (Image courtesy Samsung)

  • ASUS Unveils New Fonepad Tablets

    ASUS Unveils New Fonepad Tablets

    The Nexus 7 has been a surprising hit. While Amazon still rules the Android side of the mini-tablet market, Google’s 7-inch tablet has sold millions of units worldwide. Now, the manufacturer of the Nexus 7 is competing with its own Google-branded tablet. ASUS this week at IFA unveiled its new Fonepad lineup of small tablets.

    The Fonepad 7 is a standard 7-inch tablet that doesn’t quite stack up to the Nexus 7. The screen has a 1280x 800 resolution and the device comes with built-in 3G access. It has an Atom Z2560 processor and a relatively small (for tablets) 3,950mAh battery. The tablet’s rear camera is 5MP and its front-facing camera is 1.2MP. It comes with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of built-in storage and has a microSD card slot for expansion. ASUS is also offering 5GB of cloud storage along with the tablet, as well as several UI changes built over Android 4.2.

    While many tablet manufacturers are now focusing on increasing the size of their mini-tablets to the 8-inch range, ASUS has, surprisingly, gone the other direction with its Fonepad line. The new Fonepad Note 6 is a device with a 6-inch display – and ASUS is still calling a tablet. The 6-inch screen size is smaller than what some other device manufacturers are calling smartphones. ASUS stated it is marketing the tablet to customers who “prefer the larger screen of a tablet for apps and entertainment, but who don’t want a separate smartphone just for telephone calls and internet access on the move.”

    Oddly, the Fonepad Note 6 has even better hardware specs than the larger Fonepad 7. The 6 has a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen and an Atom Z2580 CPU. It’s front and rear cameras are 1.2MP and 8MP, respectively, and the device comes with a stylus. It also comes running Android 4.2 with ASUS’ software running over it, and comes in 16GB or 32GB storage options, with a microSD slot for expansion.

  • New Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Announced

    New Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Announced

    In addition to the new Galaxy Note 3 and the newly revealed Galaxy Gear smart watch, Samsung today announced a refreshed version of its Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet.

    The Galaxy Note 10.1 will have the same 10.1-inch screen as its predecessor, but with an improved 2560 x 1600 resolution. The 3G and Wi-Fi version of the tablet will come with a 1.9GHz 8-core processor, while the LTE version will have a 2.3GHz quad-core. The device will come with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal memory and has a microSD card slot for expansion. The rear camera on the Note 10.1 is 8MP and the front-facing one is 2MP. The tablet’s hardware is similar to that of the Galaxy Note 3, though the tablet will have a much larger 8,220mAh battery.

    Like the Galaxy Note 3, the Note 10.1 will come running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The tablet will also come with a full suite of Samsung mobile software, including “Multi Window” support. The device’s “S-Pen” stylus will also feature the button seen on the Galaxy Note 3’s stylus. The button enables quick access to apps such as a search function, screen capture, and “Pen Window,” which allows users to draw boxes of any size and run apps in them.

    “The new GALAXY Note 10.1 is the most progressive 10-inch tablet, delivering the best viewing and multitasking experiences,” said JK Shin, CEO of Samsung mobile. “It is the most recent demonstration of Samsung Mobile’s focus on constant product innovation to stay aligned with shifting consumer interests.”

    The announcement of the new Galaxy 10.1 comes as Samsung is reported to have recently seen lowered demand for its 10-inch tablets. Samsung’s 7-inch Galaxy Tab tablets currently make up a majority of the company’s tablet sales this year.

  • LG’s 8.3-Inch G Pad Tablet Announced

    LG’s 8.3-Inch G Pad Tablet Announced

    As the mini-tablet market begins to take sales from the full-sized tablet segment, those same tablets, like smartphones, are beginning to creep up in size. A number of new tablets in the 8-inch size category have already been predicted for this fall.

    This week, LG proved the predictions right by announcing a new 8.3-inch tablet. The device, named the G Pad 8.3, will be officially unveiled at the IFA show being held in Germany this weekend.

    The G Pad sports a 1920 x 1200 resolution display, which LG claims is a first for an 8-inch tablet. The device has a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM, and comes with 16GB of storage. The tablet’s rear camera is only 5MP, while its front-facing camera is 1.3MP. In its announcement, LG emphasized the G Pad’s 4600mAh battery, which it claims adds minimal weight to the device. The tablet will come running Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2, though LG has also included some proprietary software, most of which involves using the G Pad for multi-tasking.

    “Complementing our G Series smartphones, the introduction of the LG G Pad 8.3 further strengthens LG’s premium lineup consisting of our most cutting-edge devices,” said Jong-seok Park,CEO of LG Mobile Communications. “Our G Pad is just another example of LG delivering devices with the unique selling points consumers around the world will appreciate.”

  • Kindle Fire Being Doused, Says Analyst

    For Amazon, the Kindle Fire has been a huge success in the 7-inch tablet category. For the past two years Amazon’s device has competed with the largest mobile industry players – Apple and Samsung. Now, with Amazon preparing to announce its updated Kindle Fire lineup, news has come that Amazon’s hold on the tablet market may be slipping.

    Analyst firm Jumptap this week released data showing that the Kindle Fire has lost 11.4% of its tablet market share over the past year. This is at the same time Samsung has begun to roll into the tablet market in a big way, with its Galaxy Tab devices rising 5.8% in tablet market share year-over-year.

    “Previously, the iOS vs. Android battle could not crown a standing victor for Android,” said Matt Duffy, VP of marketing at Jumptap. “Yet in the past year, we’ve seen Samsung rise above the pack in both tablet and smartphone share.”

    Jumptap’s new report also held other surprising (and some not-so-surprising) findings from the mobile world. The iPhone is still the world’s top smartphone, at the expense of HTC, Blackberry, and Apple’s own iPod Touch devices, though Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone lineup is gaining traction. Also, apps are now a larger part of the mobile experience than ever before. Jumptap estimates that 84% of mobile traffic is now from apps, up from just 50% two years ago.

    (Image courtesy Amazon)

  • 8-Inch Tablets Predicted For This Fall

    8-Inch Tablets Predicted For This Fall

    As the 7-inch tablet market becomes more crowded, and as 7-inch tablets have become less expensive, they have made up a growing portion of the overall tablet market. Now, with smartphones creeping up to mini-tablet sizes, tablets themselves are beginning to grow larger. Samsung and Apple are rumored to be creating mega-tablets with 12-inch screens, and DigiTimes today reported that 7-inch tablets could soon gain an inch.

    The report cites unnamed “Taiwan-based supply chain makers” as saying HP, LG, Lenovo, and Asus are all preparing 8-inch tablets to compete with the iPad Mini’s 7.9-inch screen, as well as Samsung’s 8-inch Galaxy Tab 3 and Acer’s 8-inch Windows 8 tablet. Asus’ 8-inch offering is expected before the end of the year. HP’s is rumored to have a Tegra 4 processor and 1600 x 1200 resolution display.

    The report also predicts that the lower prices of 8-inch Android devices could make them highly competitive with the iPad Mini. As component costs continue to drop, the low prices of 8-inch tablets could also begin cutting into sales of full-sized tablets such as the iPad. 7-inch tablets could also soon find themselves obsolete, if consumers end up preferring the screens on 8-inchers.

    (via DigiTimes)

  • Apple, Samsung Creating Mega-Tablets [RUMOR]

    Apple, Samsung Creating Mega-Tablets [RUMOR]

    As Apple tacitly acknowledged with the iPhone 5’s larger screen, consumers are craving the larger screens seen in high-end Android smartphones. At the same time, a large number of consumers seem to be more interested in smaller, less expensive 7-inch tablets, rather than the 9.7-inch iPad. Now Both Apple and Samsung are betting that there is a market for tablets even larger than the iPad.

    DigiTimes is reporting that both Samsung and Apple are preparing mega-tablets with 12-inch or larger screens. The report’s unnamed “sources from the upstream supply chain” believe the companies are looking to compete more directly with notebook computers.

    The report also predicts that Samsung will be “more aggressive” than Apple in developing larger tablets, as Apple still sells high-end MacBook products with smaller screens. Samsung will be able to expand its offerings to include tablets of all sizes.

    News of Apple and Samsung experimenting with larger tablet forms comes just as smartphones are rising in size to nearly the dimensions of small tablets. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note III is expected to have a 5.7-inch screen, and Sony’s Xperia Z has a 6.4-inch screen.

    Though tablet shipments slowed during the second quarter of 2013, Android tablet shipments still managed to double from the previous year. Much of the increase in tablet sales comes in the mini-tablet product segment. New versions of Google’s Nexus 7 device and Amazon’s Kindle Fire lineup are expected to increase tablet shipments this fall.

    (via DigiTimes)

  • Tablet Sales to Pick Up Later This Year, Shows Analyst Survey

    It’s taken only a few short years since the debut of the iPhone for U.S. smartphone adoption to begin to slow, and now it appears that tablets are saturating the U.S. market just as fast.

    The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) this week revealed its market research outlook for the tablet market in the coming quarter. The report shows that 41% of “online U.S. consumers” already own a tablet. A further 40% intend to purchase a tablet within the next two years, and 72% plan to purchase a tablet at some point.

    Many U.S. consumers appear to be waiting until the fall to make their tablet purchases, though. New tablet lineups from Amazon and Apple are expected for the holiday season. Google just this month unveiled its refreshed Nexus 7 tablet.

    “Tablets faced a relatively stagnant second quarter in 2013, after several consecutive quarters of strong growth,” said Kevin Tillmann, a senior research analyst at CEA. “However, an increase in consumers’ purchase intent indicates optimism. Many consumers are waiting for the next generation of models to upgrade their existing devices.”

    The CEA report also covered how U.S. consumers are using their tablets. Gaming has now surpassed social networking as the top tablet activity. Watching movies and messaging were the second and third most popular tablet pastimes, with social networking and shopping also making the top five.

    “With nearly half of U.S. households expected to own a tablet in the next 12 to 18 months, tablets are undeniably impacting how consumers view and enjoy digital content,” said Tillmann. “As we move through 2013, anticipation runs high this year for the next wave of tablets to include new and innovative features. Striking the right chord with consumers’ expectations will be imperative to resuming the growth trends we’ve seen prior to this quarter’s purchase stagnation.”

  • Tablet Shipments Down in Q2, iPad Market Share Drops

    As crowded as the tablet market has become in just a few years, manufacturers actually are eating into Apple’s leading share of the tablet market. New second quarter 2013 tablet shipment numbers were released today by TrendForce, showing that Apple’s share of the overall tablet market has sunk to an all-time low of 35.5%.

    This comes as total tablet shipments dropped to 41.1 million – 12.4% fewer tablets than were shipped in the first quarter of 2013. The analyst report cites inventory adjustments and the impending tablet refreshes from large manufacturers for the drop in shipments. Apple alone accounted for 14.6 million tablets shipped during the second quarter, a 25% drop from the company’s shipments during the first quarter.

    Despite also shipping slightly fewer tablets during the second quarter (8.8 million), Samsung managed to raise its share of the tablet market to 21.5%. Amazon and Google both also shipped fewer tablets during Q2, though Asus and Acer were able to ship more tablets due to their 7-inch budget tablets.

    “The two long-term winners of the entry-level tablet segment, Amazon and Google, showed unideal shipment results, holding shipment volumes of only 1.1 million and 0.9 million units, respectively,” said Eric Chiou, research director of TrendForce’s WitsView service.

    Tablet shipments are expected to rise significantly during the third quarter of 2013. Google has just announced its updated Nexus 7 tablet. Amazon is expected to announce a refreshed line of Kindle Fire devices this fall, and Apple is expected to announce new iPad and iPad Mini devices as well (as long as they aren’t delayed, that is).