HTC Android 3.0 tablet tipped for Q1 2011

HTC's event today may be all about smartphones, but the company's simmering tablet plans are also getting some press.  According to DigiTimes' sources at Taiwanese component makers, HTC is ramping up to release an Android tablet – potentially running 3.0 Gingerbread – in Q1 next year.  It's unclear whether this slate is a different model to the unit HTC are said to be preparing for Verizon, which has been tipped to run Google Chrome OS.

Unfortunately, the sources are unusually reticent about potential hardware, so there are no details on the exact size or functionality of the new HTC model.  Still, it's expected to include 3G so that HTC can leverage their carrier relationships.  We can't promise any tablet news today – though if we run into HTC CEO Peter Chou we'll be sure to ask him – but we'll be bringing you the company's smartphone news from the press event later this morning.