android vs apple

I was just having a conversation with my sister and some friends regarding Google TV, Roku Box (just bought one not at all impressed, headed back to Best Buy), Apple TV and other web connected media options for the TV yesterday and was stating that I am waiting for Google TV to come down in price.... Well today it looks like the powers-that-be finally see that they've milked the early adopters all they can and to get mass adoption they are going to start to have to hit the $100 zone (and below) with their products. Logitech has decided to slash the price of their Google TV setup (the one I've been eyeballing) from $250 to $100! This combined with upcoming updates which bring the previously tablet-centric Android 3.2 Honeycomb (Hopefully 3.2 and not 3.1 or older) OS to the Google TV boxes. This update should allow the boxes access to the app market and many other upgrades in addition to their multitude of online media streaming capabilities.

The way I like to look at this is kinda like having a tablet hooked up to my TV.  Allowing me access not only to viewing content but a browser and tons of games, which should also be playable with a controller via updates to Honeycomb that support external controllers.  First thing I'll be doing is slapping on an emulator app and playing Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64 emulators on the big screen.  This added functionality puts Google TV out ahead of its competitors in my opinion along with the ability to access basically any web content not just content from an integrated store.

At 99 bucks this places not only into the consideration of the masses but it starts to make it feasible to have multiple Google TV boxes in multiple rooms. Especially since if I drop my cable I could easily buy a few of these a month!  My quest to free myself of cable just started looking a little better. Who else is ready to take the plunge on a shiny new Google TV whenever the price cut goes into effect? Hopefully this opens the flood gates for low priced Google TV options.

.... Oh yeah and Logitech, I swear it better still come with the keyboard!

(Early) Video walk through from Andronica


MORE ON GOOGLE TV

Logitech Revue Googe TV

Source: Android Central

This is why my Xoom was returned, well not exactly why but a big part of it. More Android 3.0 tablets are on the way and I'm going to wait until more manufacturers have shown their hands. Acer just officially announced their A500 Honeycomb tablet. The A500 have very similar specs to Motorola's Xoom but is $150 cheaper, thinner and has a standard USB port making it compatible with common USB mass storage drives (and in my opinion making it a more capable laptop replacement/sidekick). They also, very wisely, included a reset button; having no way to force reset my Xoom when it froze was very frustrating and I couldn't just pop out the battery like I do on my Evo. The tablet is available exclusively on pre-order from Best Buy for $450.

Product Features

• NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor
  Features a 1.0GHz processing speed.
• 1GB DDR2 memory
  For multitasking power.
• 10.1" WXGA high-definition touch-screen display
  With a wide viewing angle, 16:10 aspect ratio and 1280 x 800 resolution to showcase movies and games in stunning clarity.
• 16GB eMMC on-board memory
  Offers spacious storage.
• NVIDIA GeForce graphics
  For lush images. Micro-HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
• Built-in 2.0MP webcam
  Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends. The rear-facing 5.0MP camera with autofocus and single LED flash allows you to capture and playback video.
• Digital media card reader
  Supports microSD up to 32GB and Secure Digital High Capacity formats for storing or transferring media.
• High-speed USB 2.0 port
  For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
• Built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN
  Connect to the Internet without wires.
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
• Weighs only 1.7 lbs. and measures just 0.5" thin
  For lightweight portability. Sensors include G-sensor, E-compass, L sensor and gyrometer.
• Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system
  Provides a stable platform.

Source: Best Buy

  

So after a long tablet-deprived wait I finally got my hands on a WiFi-Only Motorola Xoom.  In exchange for $600 bucks the Wifi Xoom is basically identical to its Verizon 3G/4G enabled counterpart. The Xoom has a  1Ghz dual core Tegra 2 processor, front and back cameras (5MP shooter on back with a front facing cam for video chat), Android 3.0 Honeycomb (Google's newest version of Android optimized for tablets) and a 10.1" Display.

I immediately fell in love with the Xoom, but after a few days that all changed because of glitches and bugs.  I really liked having an Android tablet and would strongly recommended checking out the Xoom, but I returned mine.  There are just too many other Android Tablets on the horizon.  HTC, LG, Samsung, Asus, and Acer all have some pretty competitive tablets coming in the next few months; not to mention tablets from HP (Palm) and Blackberry.  The Xoom's quirks and bugs will be resolved in the coming weeks undoubtedly, but the Xoom is only the tip of the Tablet-iceberg.  Many more options are coming and I will be holding out to explore them.  More competition means more variety in features and hopefully more competitive pricing. So the big question for those looking for and Android tablet is Xoom or Wait?

Check out my video review of the Xoom below. Let me know what you think

Motorola XOOM Tablet Specs
OS	Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Differentiation	Larger and higher-resolution display in smaller form-factor, first tablet with Honeycomb software, dual-core 1GHz processor, and a wide range of docking options
Dimensions	249.1mm (h) x 167.8mm (w) x 12.9mm (d)
Display	10.1” 1280x800 resolution
Weight	~25 ounces
Processor	1GHz dual-core processor
Battery	Up to 10 hours video playback
Connectivity	3.5mm, micro USB 2.0 HS, Corporate Sync, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR + HID
Network	802.11n b/g/n
Messaging/Web/Apps	Email (Corporate Sync, Google Mail, POP3/IMAP embedded) , WebKit w/ Flash
Audio	AAC, AAC+, AMR NB, AMR WB, MP3, XMF
Video	HD capture/playback/streaming, H.263, H.264, MPEG4
Camera	5 MP rear-facing camera with dual LED flash/2MP front-facing webcam
Memory	32GB on board user memory, microSD card support after future software update, 1GB DDR2 RAM

Some of the upcoming Tablets that I am waiting to see:

HTC Evo View 4G/HTC Flyer


Asus Eee Pad Transformer


Asus Eee Pad Slider

The WiFi only version of the Motorola Xoom, which is currently only available only in 3G/4G form with form Verizon is headed to retailers finally! Sources are saying the tablet may launch as soon as March 27th and I for one can't wait.  I will likely be picking one of these up launch day! Hopefully other manufacturers will get their WiFi only options to market soon. The WiFi only flavored versions of these tablets will be critical if manufacturers want to move units and gain market share.  There is a large segment of customers who want tablets but have no need for an additional data plan and contract with ANY carrier who will be glad to snatch these tablets up.  I really don't know what they were thinking launching the VZW only model first. Staples and Best Buy have both had ads leaked listing the WiFi Xoom at $599.99 while Sam's Club has had ads leaked listing it at $549.99.... good thing I have a Sam's Club card

  

This past Friday the iPad2 dropped upping the ante once again in the tablet game. Just as Google's tablet version of Android, Honeycomb (Android 3.0) gets out the door with its first tablet the Motorola Xoom Apple unleashes the iPad that is everything the original should have been.

  The iPad 2 has cranked up the specs in almost every area over the original.  It has an A5 dual-core 1Ghz processor, front and back cameras is 33% thinner (and thinner than the iPhone 4!) while maintaining the same (industry leading) 10hr battery life and all of this at the same price as the original iPad! It's not the complete overhaul I'd have like to have seen in a second generation iPad, more like an iPad 1.5, but thats standard Apple procedure.  Complaints aside it is an undeniable beast of a tablet! Reviews state that it is blazing fast and super smooth just like most other Apple products.  There's nothing exceptionally new or exclusive here but it does say a lot for the tablet market as a  whole.  I played with the iPad 2 and I was very impressed, it has great build quality and instantly grabs you with it's Apple ascetic perfection. This is definitely a quality tablet and it puts more pressure on the competition to catch up.... Again!




This is sure to be a huge year for tablets. Last year saw the launch of the first tablet with mass commercial success (iPad) and this year we will see an onslaught of many more tablets.  With Apple raising the bar and at very least matching most of the perceived technical advantages that other tablets where boasting and doing so at a very competitive price it will force other manufactures to price their tablets more competitively. So despite the fact that I don't feel the iPad (1 or 2) is for me I am glad that Apple is applying the heat.  I'm sure that after watching how quickly Android closed the gap in the smart phone market Apple wasn't going to sit back and let the same happen with Tablets.  Samsung has already announced that due to the competitive pricing of the iPad 2, they will be reconsidering their own pricing strategy.

 I'm sure other manufactures are feeling that same heat, and will be adjusting pricing where possible as well as their release schedules... at least they better be if they are smart. Otherwise they may stand to lose many customers, who like me, are waiting to purchase a quality tablet at a competitive price. Tablets running Android from Mototola, LG, Samsung, HTC, Asus and many more, as well as Tablets from Blackberry, and HP/Palm are all on the way, but can they hit the market soon enough an priced competitively enough to survive in a world where iPad is becoming synonymous with tablet?

At the end of the day I really hope that other manufacturers get it together and get their tablets on the market. I really like the iPad 2, but want to stay in the Android family since I've already invested in their app system and personally prefer Android so I am waiting on a competitively spec'd and priced Android 3.0 Honeycomb (WIFI ONLY!!!!!!!) tablet. I'm also looking forward to the offerings from Blackberry and HP/Palm.  I hope they understand that now that we want tablets it'd be wise to get their devices out before Apple snatches up the entire market.  I WILL be getting a tablet soon; don't lose just because you delay or price yourself out of consideration....... WiFi-only Xoom - cough - cough.....

More on Tablets:















More in depth iPad 2 review via Mashable
More detailed review of Motorola Xoom via BGR
More on Blackberry Playbook via Crackberry
More on LG's 3D Tablet the G-Slate via Android Tapp
More on Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 via Android Tapp
More on HP TouchPad via Cnet Reviews
More on HTC Flyer (may be branded as an  Evo Tablet) via Mobile World Congress


  

If you've been holding out and waiting for an Android tablet with Google's tablet-centric Android 3.0 Honeycomb and a super snappy dual-core processor the wait is almost over!  Best Buy has the Motorola Xoom listed as $799, this is the Verizon 3G model that will get a free upgrade to 4G in the near future. This isn't the first time Best Buy has listed the Xoom as available for pre-order but this time looks legit. Come February 24th you will be able to pick up a Moto Xoom as well as a number of different accessories, including cases and docks. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi only version (rumored to be $600) will not be available on the 24th. This model should be released soon after the Verizon model along with GSM friendly versions.  Oh yeah and if you think you'll just buy the VZW 3G model and use it as Wi-Fi only, Know that Verizon will require at least one month of 3G service be purchased before it can be used as a Wi-Fi only device.  This will definitely be an exciting launch, I for one however will be holding out for a Wi-Fi only dual-core Honeycomb tablet.  Not quite sure if it will be the Xoom or not yet but it does look really appealing.

Motorola Xoom Specs at a glance:

• Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), designed specifically for tablets
• Large 10.1" widescreen HD display
• Super-fast, dual-core processor for advance performance and superior graphics
• Front- and rear-facing cameras
• Multitask with ease and PC-like performance
• Full-functioning HD camcorder for great videos
• Supports Adobe Flash Player for optimal browsing
• Monthly 3G Verizon Wireless rate plans available (3G upgradable to 4G LTE)
• Compatible with Wi-Fi networks*
• Variety of Motorola XOOM accessories available online and in store

Check out Best Buy's page for details and accessories here
If Feb 24th is too far off for you maybe a glance at the Xoom user manual will hold you over.

  

iPad kicked things off in the true mobile OS tablet arena and the Galaxy Tab followed with and Android 2.2 based beauty, now Motorola and Verizon will be introducing the next killer Google powered tablet the Motorola Xoom!  It will be the first tablet running Android 3.0 Honeycomb Google's tablet specific OS, a Tegra dual-core processor,  10.1-inch Gorilla Glass display, 5MP rear camera, and front facing camera, HDMI output, DLNA support, 1GB, and 10 finger-multi touch!  To make it even better it will be on Verizon's LTE 4G network.  I'm really liking the way the 2011 tablet game is looking!





Source: Engadget

  

The tablet game that the iPad kicked off is really about to heat up! Google just teased the world with some video and photos of their upcoming tablet-edition of Android, Honeycomb.  This is the fabled Android 3.0 we've been hearing about so much and it will be a tablet specific OS.  The new OS really looks nothing like Android as we know it but this may be a good thing since our tablets should be more than just jumbo phones.  Check out the pics and video from the CES conference in Vegas!





  

The first real Android Tablet competitor to the iPad is among us. The Samsung Galaxy Tab, and it is available in a number of different carrier flavors and is equipped with wifi and varying types of cellular data coverage. I am very excited about Android Tablets in general and I think the Galaxy Tab really gets things heading in the right direction.

Powered by Android 2.2 Froyo, with a 7" screen Samsung emphasizes  it's "portability", I guess implying that other larger screen tablets *cough iPad cough, cough* aren't very portable. I will agree I think I'd prefer the slightly smaller sized screen, but definitely look forward to tablets to come that cover a spectrum of screen sizes. The Tabs only 14oz but I don't know about Sammy's implications that it is pocket-able. Sounds like a great way to waste a few hundred bucks, but it's clearly a bit more hand-sized than the 10" iPad. One feature the iPad lacked that the Tab has that I griped about is a camera; and not just one but two! So unlike iPad which will undoubtly be followed by a slightly upgraded successor with the camera it should've had to begin with, the Tab will allow photo, video and video chat (via front facing camera) out of the box!



Samsung does there best to make it more than just a giant Android powered smartphone. Adding their own app suite to the mix to provide some additional functionality and features.  One I really like is the landscape email app; which allows you to view your inbox list on one side and a preview of a given email on the other.  Apps like this are the things that get me excited about replacing my laptop on daily treks around campus and to work with a tablet of some sort.  It gives you the mobility of a smart phone with the expanded functionality of a more full-fledge computer.  On the flip side Android still has a way to go with its tablet platform as many of the apps are still not optimized for the larger screen experience and it seems that in many capacities it is just a large phone (without phone functionality).  Fortunately Google is on top of this and should be addressing these issues soon with Android 3.0 Honeycomb software update, which will be optimized for tablet devices.



If nothing else I welcome the Galaxy Tab as a worthy competitor in the Tablet arena, and I am very excited to see what is to come. Not just from the Tab but from the upcoming onslaught of Android tablets from a plethora of manufacturers. With the Tablet-centric Honeycomb version of Android on the way we should see a boost on the software/OS side too.  2011 will definitely be an interesting year and we will likely see some exciting changes in the way we use technology, computers and the web.

Check out some Galaxy Tab video footage!


More detail at sources:
Engadget
Samsung