Although the reason to delay is unconfirmed by either company, shifting the much-anticipated handset’s unveil could well be an attempt to avoid clashing with the funeral of Steve Jobs, who passed earlier this week. The date of the service is yet to be confirmed by Jobs’ family.

Multiple leaks – including video footage earlier today – had apparently previewed the Galaxy Prime, which is tipped to feature a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD display, dual-core processor and HD capable main camera. The phone will be a Google Experience device, offering a pure install of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The date to which the Galaxy Prime event has been moved is unclear at this stage, and it’s not known whether Samsung and Google have decided on an alternative. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

As you may well know by now, the next version of Android is dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich because I is the next letter in the alphabet (FroYo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich) and the sandwich part is the combining of the tablet-based OS and the smartphone-based OS. There will be one Android operating system from Ice Cream Sandwich on forward, and it seems very likely that this year’s CTIA (next week) will play host to the release of that OS. Samsung has an event coming up which continues their “Unpacked” series, this one tied directly with Google.

So what Lancaster has done here is to take the clearest moment in the video we saw this morning and add a few indicators to suggest that behind the obvious smartphone there is a tablet in the background as well. Seem crazy to you? Have a closer look:

Then stick with us here on SlashGear for the main event next week as we’ll be there LIVE to bring you the best pics and video on earth! Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2011 Google Episode live here on SlashGear!

BONUS: what if this is a phone/tablet combo like one of the following? ECS prototype for iPhone, TransPhone, AlwaysInnovating, ASUS Padfone. Wacky, perhaps TOO wacky.

[via Joe Lancaster]

Milk and cookies, newspaper and coffee, planner and pen, wine and candles. And all the systems together make one wonderful device. Android has come to a point in history where tablet architecture and smartphone sizes must at once form a perfect union, and Samsung may well be the manufacturer to make it all happen. They made it happen with the last really curvy device in the Nexus S running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, why not again here with the next dessert?

Click the gallery image here to get a bigger glimpse of the single moment where you can see the device at hand – bigtime!

Also check out our Google Nexus device details roundup for a few clues as to what this might be. Seems large to be a smartphone, wouldn’t you say? Maybe a Galaxy Note that’s sort of bent over someone’s knee? We’ll see! We’ll be there LIVE at the event where this device is revealed, believe it! You’ll be able to see this event live via our livecast portal as well as our main news feed here on SlashGear – a great combination for a great event!

The difference between the first time I saw this device and what we’re seeing now is about 4 months. When I first had a look at it, I remember thinking how awesome it was that HTC was going to make a tablet, that it was smaller than the standard 10.1-inch standard, and what’s that – a pen! This may well have been the tablet I’ve been looking for. One that I can use like a tablet of paper, one that I could store infinite data on via the cloud, features never before seen on a tablet device, and no less than Android 3.0 Honeycomb at launch. And what is this?

This is a 7.7 x 4.8 x 0.52 inch Android tablet weighing in at 14.82oz with a 5-megapixel camera on the back, a 1.3-megapixel camera on the front, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, an ambient light sensor, g-sensor and a digital compass. There’s a brand new version of Sense, it’s bright, fabulous, and ready to go to work. The scribe pen works like a charm, and you can bet I’m about to bring this thing on a ride through ALL the benchmarks.

But I need your help – I need to know what YOU want to know about this device. You the consumer, you the person who has the most to gain from me doing tests of all types, kinds and sizes. So what’ll it be? What tests do you want me to do? Name them and I’ll perform them!

Furthermore, take a peek at Chris Davies’ review of the Euro edition of this tablet, see how this Best Buy version is up for sale right this second (but secretly,) and see how it might have been possible that the Flyer could have been the tablet given away at Google I/O instead of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 – wowie!

Video demo after the cut

As we found back in our initial hands-on with the Galaxy S II back at MWC 2011 last month, the 8.49mm smartphone certainly makes a great first-impression, with its huge 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and pair of 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel cameras. A familiar face walked Android Community through the key features, as you can see in the video below.

There’s also a full demonstration of TouchWiz 4.0, complete with new Live Tile widgets, new gestures and more. The phone itself is expected to drop in Q2 2011, pricing to be confirmed.

What we’re being shown here is a series of devices that all adds up to you being able to see bits of your home via any web browser or mobile device. You can choose to have your camera on all the time with the standard camera setup or pay a bit more for the motion detection cameras, both cameras being powered by batteries which last months and months and months – magic!

Once you’ve got your cameras in place (connected to the wall pods via magnet,) you can set up your gateway (essentially a wireless hub,) and you’ll be well on your way to total Big Brother control over your home! Or you could use it the way a friend of mine does and put one above your baby’s crib and see him or her while you’re out on the town (with a babysitter home of course!) Take a peek at the video and the closeup shots of the system below.

The newest MiFi Intelligent Hotspots support 4G networks like WiMAX and LTE and take your typical hotspot to the next level. Each device comes with an external e-link display that shows battery level, signal strength, and how many devices are connected. They also come with a MicroSD slot, GPS functionality, and depending on the carrier it might come preloaded with MiFi OS widgets and application support.

“The CTIA Emerging Technology awards serve as a benchmark for success across several competitive industries and validate the dedication and hard work of the entire Novatel Wireless organization,” said chief marketing officer for Novatel Wireless, Rob Hadley. “We are very excited to be assisting our carrier customers with their 4G roll-outs with our innovative and high-performing solutions.”

Press Release:

Novatel Wireless 4G LTE and WiMAX MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspots Win 2011
CTIA Emerging Technology Award

SAN DIEGO and ORLANDO (CTIA Wireless Booth #3416) – March 24, 2011 ­ Novatel
Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions,
today announced that its 4G MiFi® Intelligent Mobile Hotspots — the LTE
MiFi 4510 and WiMAX MiFi 4082 — have been recognized as winners in the 2011
CTIA Emerging Technology Awards in the Mobile Consumer Electronics:
Accessories category.

The MiFi device is the world’s first intelligent mobile hotspot, a credit
card sized gadget that creates a portable hotspot for up to five
devices/users to access high-speed mobile broadband. The latest incarnations
of the MiFi leverage new 4G networks, including WiMAX and LTE technologies.
The new 4G MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspots goes beyond basic connectivity
to provide advanced mobile broadband functionality for anyone looking to
stay connected on-the-go. The MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot comes with GPS
functionality, removable storage via a microSD slot and depending on carrier
configuration, comes preloaded with MiFi OS with on-board widgets and
application support. The 4G MiFi devices also features an external e-Ink
display with status indicators for battery, signal strength and number of
connected devices.

“The CTIA Emerging Technology awards serve as a benchmark for success across
several competitive industries and validate the dedication and hard work of
the entire Novatel Wireless organization,” said Rob Hadley, chief marketing
officer for Novatel Wireless. “We are very excited to be assisting our
carrier customers with their 4G roll-outs with our innovative and
high-performing solutions.”
The sixth annual CTIA Emerging Technology Awards program is designed to
provide industry recognition and exposure to the best wireless products and
services in the marketplace. More than 300 entries were judged by a panel of
media and industry analysts and scored on innovation, functionality,
technological importance, implementation and overall ³wow² factor.

About Novatel Wireless
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of
intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing
wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions
to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide.
Novatel Wireless’ Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems,
embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime
communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San
Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more
information please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks
relating to technological changes, new product introductions, continued
acceptance of Novatel Wireless’ products and dependence on intellectual
property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel
Wireless’ filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(available at www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.

(C) 2011 Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless
name and logo, MiFi, and MiFi OS are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks
of their respective owners.

[via PR Newswire]

Take a peek at the hands-on where we got to hold the device as well as use it. Yours truly is photographed whilst taking a look at the other device announced today, the US version of the HTC Flyer, the EVO View 4G. The HTC EVO 3D captures photos in both 3D and 2D at the same time, holding them in your gallery for you, allowing you to access either with a flick.

Looking at the device dead-on, straight-on to the screen, that’s when you’re going to get the best 3D look. They say they’re “working to improve this” meaning they’ll hopefully have a better viewing radius by the time the device is released, but for now, make it your duty to look at this screen with no angle whatsoever. This device is neither heavy nor light, really weighing in at a heaviness we’ve grown to expect from EVO devices. Once this device hits is final form, we’ll get some weights out to get the number utterly correct. Thinness again is very similar to the EVO’s of late, the form factor not all that new.

HTC EVO 3D Hands-on

This phone is made to capture and display 3D content. Like we found at Mobile World Congress 2011, this is the start of what a few companies hope will be a social situation where people capture and share 3D content like they would any other unique form of media. When you’ve got an HTC EVO 3D, you’ll need an HTC EVO 3D to view the media you’ve captured with it.

That’s like a big technology hug!

Take a peek at the video we’ve got of this device being shown off, check out the closeup shots we’ve got, and prepare yourself for the review which we’ll hopefully have sooner than later!

Be sure to stay glued to SlashGear, as we continue our CTIA 2011 coverage.

Press release below:

Inside Sprint’s first 3D smartphone, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon dual-core CPU processors feature the mobile industry’s first asynchronous dual core CPUs with speeds of up to 1.5GHz per core. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon MSM8660 processors support advanced 3D pre-engineered solutions including full 1080p 30fps HD and stereoscopic 3D video capture and playback.

The Snapdragon dual-core MSM8x60 chipsets are already being designed into more than 60 devices by our partners, including more than 20 tablets. Currently there are more than 75 announced or commercially available Snapdragon smartphones or tablets (another 150 in development) such as:

· HTC ThunderBolt: first Snapdragon LTE smartphone; now available at Verizon.

· Sony Ericson Xperia PLAY: new gaming phone that leverages the power of Qualcomm’s Adreno graphics chip; now available at Verizon.

· HP Touch Pad: first dual core Web OS tablet; available this summer.

The comment is a deliberate snub against rivals like AT&T and T-Mobile, who are currently using HSPA+ to deliver higher-than-3G speeds on their networks, and branding it 4G. As we ourselves discovered in our ATRIX 4G review, however, not all 4G flavors are created equal: Sprint’s WiMAX comfortably out-performs AT&T’s HSPA+.

Still, put back to back with Verizon’s LTE, and WiMAX starts to look less impressive; currently the CDMA rival leads the pack when it comes to throughput speeds. Hesse may have coined a cute soundbite, but the proof of the pudding is in the speed tests.

We got the opportunity to see this tablet back at Mobile World Congress 2011 under the alternate branding HTC Flyer, here it’ll be called the EVO View 4G and as far as we know, it’ll essentially be the same device save for the obvious carrier gut changes, but for details you can pretty much look back to the MWC 2011 release as far as we’ve been told at this keynote.

We’re going to land cruise over to the hands-on area to grab some close looks at this and the other fabulously new hardware revealed at this fashionable event. Hopefully we’ll be able to work with the screen and hold the device this time, as the device, or the Euro version at least, wasn’t quite prepared for a hands-on. Here’s hoping!

Press Release:

Sprint Introduces America’s First 4G “Glasses-Free” Device with QHD 3D Display, HTC EVO 3D, Coming This Summer

Sprint also brings the popular and powerful HTC EVO experience to a 4G tablet, HTC EVO View 4G, this summer, with new digital pen technology that makes it possible to make notes on Web pages, ebooks, PDF documents and more, in an easy and natural way

ORLANDO, Fla. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 22, 2011 – As the first national wireless carrier to launch the groundbreaking data speeds of 4G, Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the upcoming availability of its 21st and 22nd 4G-capable devices – HTC EVO™ 3D and HTC EVO View 4G™ on America’s Favorite 4G Network.1 HTC EVO 3D takes the mobile multimedia experience to a new level, providing the ability to capture and view in 3D and share at 4G speeds, offering consumers the ultimate glasses-free 3D experience. Sprint also announced HTC EVO View 4G, introducing a tablet to the award-winning EVO family.

Both devices will be available for Sprint customers this summer. Pricing will be shared closer to launch. Pre-registration for both devices begins today at www.sprint.com/evo3d and www.sprint.com/evoview.

Built with the Gingerbread (2.3) version of Android™, HTC EVO 3D features America’s first QHD 3D 4.3-inch display and a powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® dual-core processor. HTC EVO 3D also features dual 5 megapixel cameras, which can be used to capture both high-quality conventional and stunning 3D images and videos, opening up new frontiers for user-generated content, social networking and streaming video.

“Sprint is taking wireless innovation to the next level once again as we bring our customers the ability to experience 3D on their phone without glasses,” said Steve Elfman, president – Network Operations, Product and Wholesale, Sprint. “HTC EVO 3D makes it easy to take pictures or movies in 3D when you are on vacation, and then feel like you are there again when you view it months later. This device takes full advantage of Sprint’s powerful 4G network and offers the innovation one would expect as the next benchmark device in the prestigious EVO product line.”

As 3D has become more sought-after in both movie theaters and family rooms, the ability to enjoy 3D on a wireless phone – 3D glasses-free – will change the way customers interact with their devices. According to The NPD Group’s 3D 360° Monitor (September 2010), consumers show a high degree of interest in working with personal media in 3D (with one-third saying they would like to take photos in 3D). For details, visit http://www.3dmarkettrends.com.

The countless ways customers benefit from HTC EVO 3D’s dynamic ability to capture and playback video in 3D include:

Real estate agents can create and share 3D virtual tours of homes that let out-of-town buyers “walk through” the house and truly experience the listings before they can see them live;
Dad can feel like he is in the bleachers watching the ball leave the park for a home run even if he’s forced to skip a Little League game because he is stuck at the office;
3D mapping of terrain will help build new and exciting features for navigation, and hikers will be able to get aerial views of the topography of rivers and mountains while in the backcountry; and
Families can “relive” the excitement of their vacation and feel like they are there again.
“At HTC, we believe in offering a wide portfolio of beautifully designed, powerful and highly customizable devices for our customers, and the HTC EVO portfolio at Sprint does just that,” said Jason Mackenzie, president – HTC Americas. “As HTC continues to push the limits of innovation, we are looking forward to delivering the HTC EVO 3D and our first 4G tablet, the HTC EVO View 4G, to Sprint customers this summer.”

According to ABI Research (Dec. 20, 2010) mobile 3D devices will be driven by three key applications: creation of user-generated 3D content by integrated video and still cameras, playback of 3D content and 3D gaming. It also anticipates that mobile devices may turn out to be the most successful form factor towards bringing 3D technology into mainstream markets.

With integrated 3D HD (720p) video capture, 4G speeds, and the latest version of the acclaimed HTC Sense experience, HTC EVO 3D makes it possible to become part of the action and then easily and seamlessly post high-quality video to YouTube™ or Facebook, or share moments in real time over the Internet live, via Qik. Its integrated DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) capability makes it fast and easy to share stored music, pictures and user-generated HD video wirelessly with other DLNA-certified® home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more. Using an HDMI cable (sold separately) makes it possible to also share user-created 3D video content via a 3D TV.

Additional key features of HTC EVO 3D include:

1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Calendar, Voice Actions, and YouTube™
Sprint’s unique implementation of Google Voice, allowing customers to keep their Sprint number and seamlessly move to Google Voice
Corporate e-mail (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP and IMAP) e-mail and instant messaging
4GB Internal memory/1GB RAM
microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)
Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n
Stereo Bluetooth®
Integrated GPS
1730 mAh Lithium-ion battery
Blockbuster On Demand Provides Access to the Latest Movies

HTC EVO 3D will be the first 3D handset pre-loaded with the Blockbuster On Demand® mobile application that has access to one of the largest catalogs of movies, including 3D titles. This movie store in your pocket offers video optimized for viewing on HTC EVO 3D’s 4.3-inch screen.

“Consumers want to watch the latest entertainment anywhere, anytime,” said Scott Levine, vice president of Digital, Blockbuster. “Sprint and Blockbuster are taking the movie watching experience to the next level with enabling 3D on a smartphone.”

Blockbuster On Demand offers the hottest new releases on the same day they become available on Blu-ray and DVD. Customers can buy or rent digitally and download directly to their smartphone, along with select 3D movies.

If a video isn’t available digitally, Blockbuster also gives customers access to more than 100,000 movies and TV shows, as well as games, through store inventory at any of the Blockbuster stores nationwide. Also, Blockbuster® by Mail is another option for consumers. They can manage and update their mail queues from their phone, while on-the-go.

Blockbuster On Demand purchases can also be watched on other Blockbuster On Demand-compatible devices. Rentals range from $1.99 to $3.99 each, and purchases are $5.99 and up. Rentals will be available for viewing on one screen within 30 days of rental, with a 24-hour viewing period once the title is first played.

Bringing the EVO Experience to a Tablet

Sprint and HTC’s first 3G/4G Android tablet together, HTC EVO View 4G, will bring the best of the HTC EVO experience into a tablet design with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom, a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor and the latest version of HTC Sense. As the perfect combination e-reader, media player and portable computing device, HTC EVO View 4G offers a premium entertainment experience with HD-quality video and a rich Web-browsing experience with the ability to browse the Web on Flash-enabled sites.

With dual cameras – a main 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera – HTC EVO View 4G unleashes the ability to create, stream over the lightning-fast 4G network, share via YouTube™ or Facebook® and watch video with the Qik mobile app.

Although the sleek, aluminum-encased tablet weighs less than a paperback book, it is a powerful productivity tool for business customers and consumers. With lightning-fast 4G connectivity and a large touchscreen display, HTC EVO View 4G makes it even easier to manage e-mail, and its front-facing camera makes the Qik video chat application an easy and appealing way to conduct business while on-the-go.

Additional key features of HTC EVO View 4G include:

3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Navigation, Voice Actions, and YouTube
Corporate e-mail (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync), personal (POP and IMAP) e-mail and instant messaging
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Blockbuster On Demand® to rent or purchase the hottest new releases on the same day they become available on Blu-ray and DVD
32GB internal memory, 1GB RAM
microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)
Wi-Fi b/g/n
Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated GPS
4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery
With HTC Scribe Technology™, HTC EVO View 4G will offer a new way to interact with a tablet. HTC Scribe Technology introduces a unique digital pen to the tablet experience and unlocks new capabilities. When combined with Evernote™, a leading notes application and service, the user will have the ability to capture and make notes on Web pages, ebooks, PDF documents and more, in an easy and natural way. Additionally, HTC Scribe enables enhanced voice-synchronized note taking using a feature called Timemark, making it possible to capture the audio of a meeting at the same time as written notes.

Also improving on the tablet experience, HTC EVO View 4G allows users to draw, take notes and highlight text on documents on the tablet with the HTC Scribe™ digital pen. Sold separately and available this summer, the enhanced functionality of the HTC Scribe brings creativity to life. For example, the user can draw a sketch or add notations and highlight paragraphs, while reading an eBook, review and comment on PDF documents and add casual comment on photos.

A Sprint developer guide for HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G will be available on the Sprint Application Developer website at launch. The developer guide will provide details and information on how to take advantage of their unique hardware and software capabilities, including 3D, HDMI output, DLNA and HTC Scribe Technology on the Sprint Network.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

HTC EVO View 4G fact sheet:

Bringing the award-winning EVO experience to a tablet

HTC EVO View 4G™ brings the best of the EVO experience to a sleek, easy-to-carry tablet design. As the perfect combination e-reader, media player and portable computing device, HTC EVO View 4G offers a 7-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom for a premium entertainment experience with HD-quality video and rich Web browsing experience. It features two cameras – a 5.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. With integrated HD-video (720p) capture and the 4G speeds of HTC EVO View 4G, slow uploads and grainy video are a thing of the past. Using HTC Scribe Technology™, HTC EVO View 4G will offer a new way to interact with a tablet. HTC Scribe introduces the HTC Scribe™ digital pen (sold separately) to the tablet experience and unlocks new capabilities. When combined with Evernote™, a leading notes application and service, the user will have the ability to capture and make notes on Web pages, ebooks, PDF documents and more, in an easy and natural way.

PRODUCTIVITY
· Android operating system
· HTC Scribe Technology enabling enhanced voice-synchronized note taking with the HTC Scribe digital pen using Timemark to capture the audio of a meeting at the same time as written notes
· Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Voice Actions and YouTube™
· Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
· 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
· Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
· 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps
· 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps
· Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g/n)
· Integrated GPS

ENTERTAINMENT
· Dual cameras – a 5.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera – HTC EVO View 4G unleashes the ability to create, stream and watch video or video chat with the Qik mobile app
· Blockbuster On Demand® to rent or purchase the hottest new releases on the same day they become available on Blu-ray and DVD
· Sprint Zone, Sprint Mobile Wallet, Sprint Football Live, Sprint Family Locator, Sprint Navigation and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
· Media player with 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
· Stereo Bluetooth 3.0

SPECIFICATIONS
· 1.5GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® Processor
· Dimensions: 7.7 inches (195.4 mm) x 4.4 inches (112.5 mm) x 0.5 inches (13.2 mm)
· Weight: 14.88 ounces (421.84 grams)
· Display: 7-inch (177.8 mm), 1024 x 600 touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom
· 32GB internal memory, 1GB RAM; microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)
· Battery: 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery

This device, they say, will be performing like a PC with gaming, movies, and all manner of video. 3D 5-megapixel camera on the back, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a QHD display on the front, and hotspot enabled. The hotspot will work with 8 devices, this and the tablet announced making Sprint very obviously the the group with the most devices on what they consider 4G.

We’ll be grabbing some hands-on with this and the EVO View 4G in a few minutes, hopefully they’ll both be fully functional devices unlike what we experienced at Mobile World Congress 2011. Seeya there!

Press Release:

Sprint Introduces America’s First 4G “Glasses-Free” Device with QHD 3D Display, HTC EVO 3D, Coming This Summer

Sprint also brings the popular and powerful HTC EVO experience to a 4G tablet, HTC EVO View 4G, this summer, with new digital pen technology that makes it possible to make notes on Web pages, ebooks, PDF documents and more, in an easy and natural way

ORLANDO, Fla. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 22, 2011 – As the first national wireless carrier to launch the groundbreaking data speeds of 4G, Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the upcoming availability of its 21st and 22nd 4G-capable devices – HTC EVO™ 3D and HTC EVO View 4G™ on America’s Favorite 4G Network.1 HTC EVO 3D takes the mobile multimedia experience to a new level, providing the ability to capture and view in 3D and share at 4G speeds, offering consumers the ultimate glasses-free 3D experience. Sprint also announced HTC EVO View 4G, introducing a tablet to the award-winning EVO family.

Both devices will be available for Sprint customers this summer. Pricing will be shared closer to launch. Pre-registration for both devices begins today at www.sprint.com/evo3d and www.sprint.com/evoview.

Built with the Gingerbread (2.3) version of Android™, HTC EVO 3D features America’s first QHD 3D 4.3-inch display and a powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® dual-core processor. HTC EVO 3D also features dual 5 megapixel cameras, which can be used to capture both high-quality conventional and stunning 3D images and videos, opening up new frontiers for user-generated content, social networking and streaming video.

“Sprint is taking wireless innovation to the next level once again as we bring our customers the ability to experience 3D on their phone without glasses,” said Steve Elfman, president – Network Operations, Product and Wholesale, Sprint. “HTC EVO 3D makes it easy to take pictures or movies in 3D when you are on vacation, and then feel like you are there again when you view it months later. This device takes full advantage of Sprint’s powerful 4G network and offers the innovation one would expect as the next benchmark device in the prestigious EVO product line.”

As 3D has become more sought-after in both movie theaters and family rooms, the ability to enjoy 3D on a wireless phone – 3D glasses-free – will change the way customers interact with their devices. According to The NPD Group’s 3D 360° Monitor (September 2010), consumers show a high degree of interest in working with personal media in 3D (with one-third saying they would like to take photos in 3D). For details, visit http://www.3dmarkettrends.com.

The countless ways customers benefit from HTC EVO 3D’s dynamic ability to capture and playback video in 3D include:

Real estate agents can create and share 3D virtual tours of homes that let out-of-town buyers “walk through” the house and truly experience the listings before they can see them live;
Dad can feel like he is in the bleachers watching the ball leave the park for a home run even if he’s forced to skip a Little League game because he is stuck at the office;
3D mapping of terrain will help build new and exciting features for navigation, and hikers will be able to get aerial views of the topography of rivers and mountains while in the backcountry; and
Families can “relive” the excitement of their vacation and feel like they are there again.
“At HTC, we believe in offering a wide portfolio of beautifully designed, powerful and highly customizable devices for our customers, and the HTC EVO portfolio at Sprint does just that,” said Jason Mackenzie, president – HTC Americas. “As HTC continues to push the limits of innovation, we are looking forward to delivering the HTC EVO 3D and our first 4G tablet, the HTC EVO View 4G, to Sprint customers this summer.”

According to ABI Research (Dec. 20, 2010) mobile 3D devices will be driven by three key applications: creation of user-generated 3D content by integrated video and still cameras, playback of 3D content and 3D gaming. It also anticipates that mobile devices may turn out to be the most successful form factor towards bringing 3D technology into mainstream markets.

With integrated 3D HD (720p) video capture, 4G speeds, and the latest version of the acclaimed HTC Sense experience, HTC EVO 3D makes it possible to become part of the action and then easily and seamlessly post high-quality video to YouTube™ or Facebook, or share moments in real time over the Internet live, via Qik. Its integrated DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) capability makes it fast and easy to share stored music, pictures and user-generated HD video wirelessly with other DLNA-certified® home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more. Using an HDMI cable (sold separately) makes it possible to also share user-created 3D video content via a 3D TV.

Additional key features of HTC EVO 3D include:

1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Calendar, Voice Actions, and YouTube™
Sprint’s unique implementation of Google Voice, allowing customers to keep their Sprint number and seamlessly move to Google Voice
Corporate e-mail (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP and IMAP) e-mail and instant messaging
4GB Internal memory/1GB RAM
microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)
Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n
Stereo Bluetooth®
Integrated GPS
1730 mAh Lithium-ion battery
Blockbuster On Demand Provides Access to the Latest Movies

HTC EVO 3D will be the first 3D handset pre-loaded with the Blockbuster On Demand® mobile application that has access to one of the largest catalogs of movies, including 3D titles. This movie store in your pocket offers video optimized for viewing on HTC EVO 3D’s 4.3-inch screen.

“Consumers want to watch the latest entertainment anywhere, anytime,” said Scott Levine, vice president of Digital, Blockbuster. “Sprint and Blockbuster are taking the movie watching experience to the next level with enabling 3D on a smartphone.”

Blockbuster On Demand offers the hottest new releases on the same day they become available on Blu-ray and DVD. Customers can buy or rent digitally and download directly to their smartphone, along with select 3D movies.

If a video isn’t available digitally, Blockbuster also gives customers access to more than 100,000 movies and TV shows, as well as games, through store inventory at any of the Blockbuster stores nationwide. Also, Blockbuster® by Mail is another option for consumers. They can manage and update their mail queues from their phone, while on-the-go.

Blockbuster On Demand purchases can also be watched on other Blockbuster On Demand-compatible devices. Rentals range from $1.99 to $3.99 each, and purchases are $5.99 and up. Rentals will be available for viewing on one screen within 30 days of rental, with a 24-hour viewing period once the title is first played.

Bringing the EVO Experience to a Tablet

Sprint and HTC’s first 3G/4G Android tablet together, HTC EVO View 4G, will bring the best of the HTC EVO experience into a tablet design with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom, a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor and the latest version of HTC Sense. As the perfect combination e-reader, media player and portable computing device, HTC EVO View 4G offers a premium entertainment experience with HD-quality video and a rich Web-browsing experience with the ability to browse the Web on Flash-enabled sites.

With dual cameras – a main 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera – HTC EVO View 4G unleashes the ability to create, stream over the lightning-fast 4G network, share via YouTube™ or Facebook® and watch video with the Qik mobile app.

Although the sleek, aluminum-encased tablet weighs less than a paperback book, it is a powerful productivity tool for business customers and consumers. With lightning-fast 4G connectivity and a large touchscreen display, HTC EVO View 4G makes it even easier to manage e-mail, and its front-facing camera makes the Qik video chat application an easy and appealing way to conduct business while on-the-go.

Additional key features of HTC EVO View 4G include:

3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Navigation, Voice Actions, and YouTube
Corporate e-mail (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync), personal (POP and IMAP) e-mail and instant messaging
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Blockbuster On Demand® to rent or purchase the hottest new releases on the same day they become available on Blu-ray and DVD
32GB internal memory, 1GB RAM
microSD slot (supports up to 32GB memory card)
Wi-Fi b/g/n
Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated GPS
4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery
With HTC Scribe Technology™, HTC EVO View 4G will offer a new way to interact with a tablet. HTC Scribe Technology introduces a unique digital pen to the tablet experience and unlocks new capabilities. When combined with Evernote™, a leading notes application and service, the user will have the ability to capture and make notes on Web pages, ebooks, PDF documents and more, in an easy and natural way. Additionally, HTC Scribe enables enhanced voice-synchronized note taking using a feature called Timemark, making it possible to capture the audio of a meeting at the same time as written notes.

Also improving on the tablet experience, HTC EVO View 4G allows users to draw, take notes and highlight text on documents on the tablet with the HTC Scribe™ digital pen. Sold separately and available this summer, the enhanced functionality of the HTC Scribe brings creativity to life. For example, the user can draw a sketch or add notations and highlight paragraphs, while reading an eBook, review and comment on PDF documents and add casual comment on photos.

A Sprint developer guide for HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G will be available on the Sprint Application Developer website at launch. The developer guide will provide details and information on how to take advantage of their unique hardware and software capabilities, including 3D, HDMI output, DLNA and HTC Scribe Technology on the Sprint Network.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

HTC EVO™ 3D fact sheet:

Enjoy 3D without glasses on the go

Exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO 3D is America’s first 4G smartphone with a 4.3 inch 3D QHD display that allows users to capture, record and playback in 3D – without having to wear 3D glasses. With the latest version of the acclaimed HTC Sense user experience and powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), HTC EVO 3D is ideal for users who want to both stream video and generate their own video experience to record life’s moments, view them in 3D and share them easily. Users can quickly download movies, create user generated content and enjoy a Flash-enabled web browsing experience using the speed of the 3G/4G network and the power a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor. HTC EVO 3D takes full advantage of Sprint’s powerful 4G network and offers the innovation one would expect as the next benchmark device in the prestigious EVO product line.

PRODUCTIVITY
· Industry-leading 4.3-inch 3D QHD display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
· 3G/4G capability
· 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor
· World-class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks
· Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and the latest version of HTC Sense, an acclaimed user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates
· Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while talking
· GoogleTM mobile services, including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM, as well as access to Google Goggles™ to search with pictures instead of words
· 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
· Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience

ENTERTAINMENT
· Download, edit and share HD-quality content directly from the device
· Dual 5 megapixel cameras, to capture 3D video and images and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, that together open up a new frontier for user generated content, social networking and streaming video
· Access to 3D version of Blockbuster OnDemand app with access to 2D and 3D movies, TV shows and games for rent or purchase and download
· Video chat service available as an upgrade to the pre-loaded Qik app to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop
· Capture video in HD quality, 2D at 1080p and 3D at 720p
· Output HD content to a compatible TV using HDMI or DLNA
· Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
· Sprint applications including Sprint Zone, Sprint TV & Movies®, Sprint Football Live, Sprint Navigation and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
· Stereo Bluetooth®
· Built-in Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

SPECIFICATIONS
· Dimensions: 5.0″ x 2.6″ x .48″ (LxWxT)
· Weight: 6 ounces
· Main display: 4.3-inch 3D QHD capacitive display (960 x 540)
· Battery life: TBD
· Standard removable 1730 mAh Lithium-ion battery
· Memory: 4GB Internal memory/1GB RAM; Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB

That would certainly fit in with the other device rumor of the morning, that Sprint will bring out the HTC EVO 3D, the flagship replacement to the HTC EVO 4G with a dual-core processor and a 3D display. The handset itself is expected to use an auto-stereoscopic, “glasses free” panel, but we’re assuming Sprint will be showing us some 3D footage recorded with the camera during the keynote.

We’ll be bringing you all the news as it’s announced, so stay glued to SlashGear and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the new products in the comments! Is 3D a gimmick or something you’re looking for on your next smartphone?

Update: Looks like there are only two products on the menu this morning, going by the covered stands on the podium.

Like the iPad 2, both the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9 will come in WiFi-only versions with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage (both are also expected to have a 64GB model, according to the spec sheets). Pricing is $499 and $599 for the 10.1-incher, respectively, and $469 and $569 for the 8.9-incher; the latter also offers more pixels than the Apple tablet, at 1280 x 800 versus 1024 x 600.

Of course, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t expected to go on sale until June 8 – the prototypes we tried at CTIA 2011 were definitely in need of some significant polish – and the 8.9-inch model won’t arrive until sometime over the summer. That gives Apple several months to soak up new tablet buyers with the iPad 2, a model so popular the company can’t keep it on shelves for longer than a few minutes. Still, it lays down the gauntlet for other Honeycomb tablet manufacturers as well; the Android slate segment is predicted to grow significantly in 2011, and Samsung is making an early play to ensure it has the lion’s share of it.

GALAXY Tab 10.1 vs 8.9 vs iPad 2 vs XOOM:

The first iteration of Galaxy Tab 10.1 measured in at 246.2 x 170.4 x 10.9 mm and weighed 599g; this new, slimmer version is 256.6 x 172.9 x 8.6 mm and 595g. In the process the slate has gained a new back panel (to match the 8.9-inch version) and lost some megapixels. The 2-megapixel front camera remains, but the rear camera is a 3-megapixel unit with autofocus and an LED flash (down from 8-megapixels on the previous version). Battery life is up to 10hrs, Samsung claims. Apparently the original version, with the higher resolution camera and slightly thicker chassis, will be sold as a Vodafone exclusive in Europe.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 has the same cameras as its slimline 10.1-inch sibling, as well as quadband UMTS/HSPA+ (950/900/1900/2100), WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0 and the usual bevy of gyroscope, accelerometer, digital compass, ambient light sensor and GPS. There’s also 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage in the 230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm frame, together with a microSD card slot and a 6,000 mAh battery.

Samsung TouchWiz for Tablets demo:

Samsung has also used CTIA 2011 to debut its new TouchWiz UI for Honeycomb, a custom overlay that sits on top of Android 3.0. It has a “Live Panel” menu for custom access to apps, photos, shortcuts and social network feeds on the homescreen, along with easy access to the task manager, calendar and media player in a new Mini Apps Tray bar.

Update: The Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi will go on sale on June 8, priced at $499 for the 16GB model and $599 for the 32GB model. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi will follow on in “early summer” priced at $469 for the 16GB and $569 for the 32GB.

Press Release:

Samsung Unveils GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9,
World’s Thinnest Mobile Tablets

Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9
to feature the first customized Android™ 3.0 experience

ORLANDO, March 22, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the global leader in Android™ mobile devices, announced two new additions to its family of GALAXY Tabs, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9, the world’s thinnest mobile tablets, measuring just 8.6 millimeters.

The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 feature Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation.

“The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are remarkable examples of Samsung’s constant innovation and show our dedication to designing premium tablets that fit the unique needs of consumers around the world”, said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “By combining Samsung’s innovations in design and display with
our exciting new user experience, we’ve created a new class of products that will lead the tablet market.”

Thinner & Lighter
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are the thinnest mobile tablets available. The GALAXY Tab 10.1 weighs 595 grams and 8.9 weighs 470 grams. Combining the GALAXY Tabs’ ultra-thin form factor with a lightweight design adds to the outstanding mobility of these two products.

Super Fast
The new GALAXY Tabs will support HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times. Also, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 include a 1GHz dual core application processor for a powerful multimedia and web browsing experience.

Customized User Experience “Samsung TouchWiz UX”
Samsung’s TouchWiz user experience is designed with a Live Panel menu users can customize to display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favorite Web sites and social network feeds.
In addition, the interface includes an application tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player which can be launched while other major applications are also in use, including large file downloads and document editing. This Mini Apps Tray provides a mixture of convenience and flexibility previously unheard of with tablet devices.

The Ultimate Entertainment Hub
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 are pre-loaded with Readers Hub and Music Hub giving consumers instant access to more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspaper (49 languages), 2,300 magazines (22 languages), and 13 million songs. The devices are also designed with Samsung’s Social Hub, which will aggregate email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 feature a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.

Ready for Business
The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 will include an industry leading suite of solutions designed to give enterprise customers and IT managers more security. Developed in collaboration with industry-leading partners such as Cisco, Sybase, SAP and Citrix, Samsung’s enterprise mobility solutions will provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that users are able to operate more efficiently on–the-move.

GALAXY Tab 10.1
GALAXY Tab 10.1, with its WXGA TFT LCD display (1280 x 800) powered by 1GHz dual core AP, is 8.6mm thin and weighs only 595g. It is the perfect device for sharing and enjoying media content with family and friends. In addition, with its surround-sound stereo speakers and support for Flash 10.2, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 will deliver premium entertainment experience whether watching videos, movies or playing games.

GALAXY Tab 8.9
At just 8.6mm thin and weighing only 470g, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 is the perfect device for today’s mobile professional. Whether writing emails on a trip or reading an eBook on the couch, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 provides the ultimate tablet experience without compromising mobility.

The GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 now join the original 7-inch GALAXY Tab to provide consumers with an unmatched array of choices to select the mobile tablet experience that fits their needs the best.

Samsung’s entire line of GALAXY Tabs will be on display at the Samsung booth (#2440) at CTIA Wireless 2011, March 22 through March 24.

Unfortunately Samsung’s CTIA 2011 samples were so hot off the prototyping line that we weren’t allowed to turn them on. The company demonstrated its newly updated TouchWiz UX for Honeycomb on a hands-off prototype, and thankfully it doesn’t appear to be the wholesale reskin that we’re familiar with from Samsung smartphones – and which generally slows down core OS updates – but rather a new set of dynamic homescreen widgets and controls which slot into Honeycomb.

As Motorola did with recent versions of MOTOBLUR on Android smartphones, the TouchWiz UX widgets can be resized more flexibly, as well as intermingled with regular Google widgets and shortcuts. As long as it doesn’t impact subsequent OS upgrades, we can see it being a popular interface.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 and 8.9 Hands-on

Physically, the tablets are everything you’d want from a portable slate, with the 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab being particularly appealing for its balance of size and high resolution. At 1280 x 800 it gets the same number of pixels as its 10.1-inch brother, which will make for a rich, dense screen in a bag-friendly chassis. Samsung isn’t talking specific chips for its 1GHz dual-core processor, which leads us to assume that it could be the same mixture of homegrown Exynos and NVIDIA’s Tegra 2.

GALAXY Tab 10.1 vs GALAXY Tab 8.9 vs iPad 2 vs. XOOM

Much will rest on pricing, and that’s still left unconfirmed. If Samsung can bring the new Galaxy Tab models in at under the iPad 2, complete with higher resolution cameras front and back, and slimmer/lighter construction, that’s a fair amount of marketing value to play with. We won’t know that until later in the year when the two models go on sale, however.

It’s not the first time we’ve heard of charger ubiquity, of course. MicroUSB was adopted as the European standard late last year, with Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and others all agreeing to comply.

Video demo after the cut

That includes details on the new Sidekick overlay, which tweaks the regular Android UI into something more usable for long-term Sidekick owners. There’s Qik for video chat, Media Hub, Visual Voicemail, WiFi calling, group text and Cloud Texting, among other things, which also get demonstrated in the video below.

T-Mobile is yet to confirm specific launch dates, but the Sidekick 4G will go on sale at $99.99 with a new, two-year agreement on one of the carrier’s unlimited data plans, or at $149.99 on a regular data plan. Whether an interface tweak and emoticon buttons are enough to convince the Sidekick-faithful remains to be seen.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G:

Otherwise, stylistically it seems like a mixture of other recent HTC handsets, so you get the speaker section and forward camera of the Desire S while the touch sensitive buttons look more like those on the Desire HD. From the back we know it’s one of HTC’s distinctive unibody chassis, similar to the HTC Mozart.

Inside, we’re expecting a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, like the HTC EVO 3D, along with 768MB of RAM, an 8-megapixel autofocus camera, DLNA support and v3.0 of HTC’s Sense system, all on top of Android 2.4 Gingerbread. Last we heard, HTC was preparing to out the Pyramid at CTIA 2011 this week, so we shouldn’t have to wait long for all the news.

[Thanks Anthony!]

Specifications aren’t included, but thanks to earlier leaks we have a pretty good idea what’s coming through the pipeline. The HTC EVO View 4G looks to be much the same as the Flyer, which means a 7-inch tablet with an active stylus for handwriting input and Evernote sync, along with the addition of 4G connectivity.

The EVO 3D, meanwhile, is expected to have a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a glasses-free 3D display and a 3D camera array for recording your own 3D content. We’ll know for sure when Sprint gets around to making the devices officially-official this week.

[via Android Community]

That’s after a mail-in rebate and with a new, two-year agreement, but is still a pretty cheap way to grab a very well made smartphone. Unfortunately, T-Mobile has handicapped one of the C7′s best features, its pentaband WCDMA radio, down to just quadband.

Still, for Symbian-starved Nokia fans in the US, this is a potentially easier way to get hold of a new(ish) device, though we imagine most people will be waiting for Nokia’s first Windows Phone. For all the details on the Nokia C7, check out the full SlashGear review.

Press Release:

Nokia delivers Astounding smartphone for T-Mobile USA customers

WHITE PLAINS, NY, and ORLANDO, Fla., March 22, 2011 – Inspired by U.S. consumers who want an affordable smartphone that offers a simplified user experience and on-the-go entertainment, Nokia today continues to broaden its Symbian smartphone portfolio with the introduction of the Nokia Astound. Offering value without compromise, the Nokia Astound will be available exclusively from T-Mobile USA beginning April 6.
The Nokia Astound’s sleek stainless-steel design features an 8-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and 720p HD video capture, a brilliant 3.5-inch capacitive touch AMOLED display, free turn-by-turn navigation from Nokia and access to thousands of free and paid apps via Nokia’s Ovi Store. The Nokia Astound makes it easy for consumers to stay connected. The Astound has three fully customizable homescreens, giving quick access to email, and the ability to check the latest from Facebook and Twitter, or just surf the web. Consumers can kick back and enjoy the Astound’s entertainment features by playing pre-loaded games like Fruit Ninja, listening to the lastest music with the Slacker Radio app, or browsing their own music and video collection, right at their fingertips.
“As millions more consumers make the switch to smartphones, Nokia is proud to offer an alternative that is not only easy and fun to use, but is also very sexy and sleek, unlike anything in its price point,” said Mark Slater, vice president of sales, Nokia. “With a user experience rounded out by Nokia’s Ovi services, including Maps and Store, consumers will be delighted to discover Nokia’s premium design quality with no compromises on services and apps, made affordable with T-Mobile.”
“As T-Mobile continues to make owning a smartphone easy and affordable, we are thrilled to introduce the high- quality design and entertainment experience of the Nokia Astound,” said Andrew Morrison, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “Offering the features of a high-end smartphone at a great price, the Nokia Astound is sure to appeal to a broad array of consumers.”
Uniquely crafted, the Nokia Astound is an example of the quality and impressive hardware that consumers associate with Nokia. Its AMOLED touchscreen is protected by ultrathin, damage-resistant glass and surrounded by stainless steel, which completes the attractive yet durable design.
Equipped with the latest commercial version of Ovi Maps1, the Nokia Astound provides free voice-guided, turn-by- turn navigation in almost 100 countries in 46 languages. The Nokia Astound comes pre-loaded with automotive grade maps for the entire U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean2. With more than 8,000 3D landmarks and free premium content like Lonely Planet guides and Tripadvisor, consumers can explore new places and experiences along the way. New features include improved search engines and WiFi positioning, a drive assistance mode for real-time traffic updates, maps of public transit lines, and the ability to check in to places and share great moments with friends on Facebook, Twitter and many local social networks.
With the Nokia Astound, consumers can visit Ovi Store to discover new apps, games and themes to customize their device. Each week, Ovi Store continues to grow and add more great content that supports 32 languages in more than 190 countries. Currently, Ovi Store sees more than 4 million downloads worldwide per day, including popular apps and games like Angry Birds, OpenTable, Shazam and Galaxy on Fire. As an added convenience, apps and services can be billed directly to a consumer’s monthly T-Mobile bill or credit card.
Visitors at CTIA Wireless in Orlando, Fla., can visit the Nokia Lounge, booth #1626, to experience the Astound along with other Nokia solutions and meet developers who are creating compelling apps and content for consumers to enjoy on Nokia devices.
Availability
1 Ovi Maps uses automotive grade maps from NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data. 2 Additional contries and languages are available to download free from Nokia. Data charges may apply.
PRESS RELEASE 1 (2)
The Nokia Astound will be available nationwide starting April 6 through T-Mobile retail stores and online at http://www.t-mobile.com for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate card with a two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan.
The Nokia Astound will also be offered at select third-party dealers, and at leading national retailers including Costco, RadioShack, Sam’s Club, Target Mobile locations and Walmart. For more information, visit http://www.nokiausa.com/astound.

That will be capable of recording 1080p video, as well as playing it back via the HDMI port. The G2x will also be the first Tegra 2 based device to come preloaded with the NVIDIA Tegra Zone app.

No word on pricing or availability at this stage, though there has been recent talk of an April 20 release along with the T-Mobile G-Slate.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

T-Mobile and LG Mobile Phones Introduce T-Mobile G2x with Google, a Powerful Gaming and Entertainment 4G Smartphone

T-Mobile’s first smartphone to feature a dual-core processor, the G2x is the latest smartphone to join T-Mobile’s G-series lineup on America’s Largest 4G Network

BELLEVUE, Wash. and SAN DIEGO — March 22, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones (LG) today announced the upcoming availability of the T-Mobile® G2xTM with GoogleTM by LG. The latest 4G smartphone to join T-Mobile’s exclusive line of G-series devices, the G2x is made for speed and mobile entertainment, with built-in support for 4G speeds on America’s Largest 4G NetworkTM, an NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor with dual- core CPU, brilliant 4-inch capacitive touch screen display and preloaded content, such as Need For SpeedTM SHIFT HD.
―More consumers than ever are turning to their smartphones to stay entertained wherever they are with access to their favorite video games, TV programs and more,‖ said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. ―By combining the latest innovative hardware and preloaded content with our 4G network and the power of the dual- core processor, the G2x offers the mobile gaming and entertainment experience our customers crave.‖
―The move into dual-core technology is the next big leap forward in mobile technology creating a new superphone segment,‖ said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing, LG Mobile Phones. ―These super-powered processors will allow both developers and users to utilize the unmatched speed and power in multitasking, multimedia and functionality never before realized in a mobile handset.‖
The G2x will keep customers entertained with access to preloaded games and applications, including the following:  Need for SpeedTM SHIFT HD, developed by Electronic Arts (EA), is an award-winning,
authentic racing game that combines the true driver’s experience with real-world physics,
pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks.  DTS Ultra MobileTM, which includes two innovative audio technologies – DTS
EnveloTM and DTS BoostTM – for a premium surround sound experience. When listening to music or playing games on the T-Mobile G2x, customers will enjoy rich, enhanced sound that adds depth, dimension and volume levels that are robust without distortion.
 A demo of Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance – N.O.V.A., developed by Gameloft, is a fast-paced sci-fi action game in which players operate as Kal Wardin, an elite soldier established to protect humanity from alien threats.
 T-Mobile TV, offering live and on-demand TV including news, sports and full-length entertainment, plus full episodes of your favorite shows.
 Zinio eReader, the largest online newsstand, enabling customers to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in new ways with more than 75,000 digital magazines from 26 countries.
 T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QikTM, enabling video conversations with friends and family through T-Mobile’s network and Wi-Fi.
Developed by graphics powerhouse NVIDIA, each CPU in the Tegra 2 processor runs at a speed of 1GHz and boasts low power consumption and high performance for playing video and audio. Combined with T-Mobile’s lightning-fast 4G network, the G2x delivers a fast Web browsing experience, smooth game play, instantaneous touch response and seamless multitasking between applications for a compelling mobile entertainment experience.
In addition, the G2x will include NVIDIA’s Tegra Zone application, which provides quick access to games optimized for the Tegra 2’s dual-core architecture, which is built to handle the performance requirements of mobile games that use PC and console quality graphics features.
The G2x comes equipped with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and autofocus, and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera paired with the preloaded T-Mobile Video Chat application powered by Qik for staying in touch with family and friends. With the phone’s 1080p high-definition (HD) video recorder and DLNA compatibility, G2x customers can capture video and wirelessly connect to a compatible HD TV or other DLNA device for streaming full HD video content or enjoying a console-like gaming experience through HDMI mirroring, taking advantage of the phone’s accelerometer and gyro sensor.
Powered by a stock version of the AndroidTM 2.2 operating system, the G2x offers access to more than 150,000 applications available on Android MarketTM and integration with Google services such as Google VoiceTM, Voice ActionsTM from Google, Google GogglesTM, Google SearchTM, GmailTM, Google MapsTM with Places and Navigation, YouTubeTM, Google TalkTM, Google EarthTM and more.
The G2x features smartphone essentials such as easy access to personal and work e-mail, including support for Microsoft® Exchange e-mail, contacts and calendar, social networking, and instant messaging. The G2x also includes Swype® for easy text input, 8GB of internal memory with a microSD card slot with support for expandable memory up to 32GB, Stereo Bluetooth® 2.1, built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, Adobe® Flash® Player support and a music player.
The T-Mobile G2x with Google is expected to be available nationwide later this spring at T- Mobile retail stores and online at http://www.t-mobile.com.

Alternatively, for those with less ambitious data needs, the Sidekick 4G will be available with T-Mobile’s cheaper, non-unlimited data bundles. You’ll need to pay more upfront for the phone, however: $149.99 with a qualifying plan including data, again for two years.

[via Android Community]

Unfortunately, that agreement could be pretty expensive over the course of the G-Slate contract. That’s because T-Mobile is insisting not only on a data package, like with the XOOM, but on a voice plan as well. You’ll need to accommodate a $100 mail-in rebate, too.

On the upside, you get a 3D camera array, 1080p HD capture, HDMI output and a reasonably compact chassis that should be a little more bag-friendly than other Honeycomb tablets out there. More info in our hands-on.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

T-Mobile G-Slate with Google by LG:

Powered by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the G-Slate delivers a premium mobile entertainment experience with a brilliant 8.9-inch, 3D-capable, multitouch HD display and the ability to record 3D and full HD video. With the new G-Slate, customers can access their favorite TV shows, magazines, games and more with pre-installed applications such as T-Mobile TV, Need for Speed SHIFT HD and Zinio eReader. The T-Mobile G-Slate will cost $529.99 after $100 mail-in-rebate card with a qualifying mobile broadband plan on two-year agreement, voice line and enrollment in EasyPay.

That, unsurprisingly, matches the iPad 2, and indeed the $599 32GB version and $699 $64GB version are also in line with Apple’s slate. What there won’t be, at least initially, are 3G/4G-enabled models, which will follow on later in 2011.

The PlayBook has a 1024 x 600 touchscreen, WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, a 1GHz dual-core processor and 1080p HD output. It runs the QNX OS. Full list of stockists in the press release below.

Press Release:

RIM Announces Retail Channels for BlackBerry PlayBook

BlackBerry PlayBook to be available in over 20,000 Retail Outlets in the U.S. and Canada

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to make the highly-anticipated BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet available in more than 20,000 retail outlets in the U.S. and Canada.

“The BlackBerry PlayBook is an amazing tablet that is already being widely praised as a multi-tasking powerhouse with an uncompromised web experience and an ultra-portable design,” said Mike Lazaridis, President & Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “Given the high level of customer interest in the BlackBerry PlayBook, we are particularly pleased to be working with such an amazing lineup of retail partners.”

The BlackBerry PlayBook delivers professional-grade, consumer-friendly experiences that redefine the possibilities of mobile computing. This ultra-portable tablet looks and feels great, measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound. It features a vivid 7-inch high-resolution display that is highly-responsive with a fluid touch screen experience. It also offers industry leading performance, uncompromised web browsing with support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, true multitasking, HD multimedia, advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a robust development environment.

The BlackBerry PlayBook with Wi-Fi will be available in three models and will feature a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $499 in the United States and Canada. The lineup of retailers and wireless carriers currently expected to carry the BlackBerry PlayBook in the United States and Canada includes the following companies*:

United States

AT&T
Best Buy
Cbeyond
Cellular South
Cincinnati Bell
Office Depot
RadioShack
ShopBlackBerry.com
Staples
Sprint
Verizon
BlackBerry from Wireless Giant
Canada

Bell
Best Buy
Chapters / Indigo
Costco
Future Shop
Mobilicity
MTS Allstream
Rogers
Sasktel
Sears
ShopBlackBerry.com
Staples
Telus
Tbooth Wireless
The Source
Videotron
Walmart
WIND Mobile
WIRELESS etc.
WIRELESSWAVE
BlackBerry PlayBook Specifications

7″ 1024×600 WSVGA capacitive LCD touch screen
Ultra-portable at less than a pound and less than one-half inch thick: 0.9 lbs (425g) and 5.1” x 7.6” x 0.4” (130mm x 194mm x 10mm)
1 GHz dual-core processor
BlackBerry® Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
MP3, AAC and WMA audio playback
Support for high resolution video playback (H.264, MPEG4, WMV)
1080p HDMI output
Dual 1080p HD cameras for video conferencing and video capture (3MP front and 5MP rear)
1 GB RAM memory
Up to 64 GB internal storage (16, 32 and 64 GB models)
GPS, Orientation Sensor (Accelerometer), 6-Axis Motion Sensor (Gyroscope), Digital Compass (Magnetometer)
Stereo speakers and stereo microphones
Wi-Fi® (802.11 a/b/g/n) connectivity
Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR support

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 will have the Live Panel homescreen, a “personalized homescreen” with custom widgets like: email, weather, news, agenda, gallery, buddies now, date, bookmark, and stock. The new tablet will have a 1280 x 800 WXGA touchscreen with a 1 GHz dual core processor and weighs in at 470 grams or roughly 1 pound.

Samsung’s newest tablet is designed to have a PC-like performance and looks to be joining the ranks to fight with Apple’s iPad and Motorola’s XOOM. Stay tuned for more details when Samsung has their official event tomorrow.

[via Android Community]

“Kyocera Echo’s unique design gives third-party developers a new opportunity to enhance and showcase the full functionality of their applications, without being restricted by screen space,” said Yasuhiro Ohishi, vice president of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. “Echo supports virtually all applications available from Android Market, yet we’re excited to see so many developers embracing the new format and optimizing existing and new applications for the dual displays.”

Kyocera hopes that developers will create and/or optimize applications and features spanning across multiple popular categories including gaming, social networking, location-based services, mobile entertainment and productivity. The company is already working with some of the industry’s most popular game developers including Electronic Arts for the Sims 3, Gameloft, and NAMCO Bandai to take advantage of their unique dual-screen real layout.

[via Business Wire]

Sprint is expected to wheel out a wide range of new devices, including a 4G WiMAX version of the HTC Flyer, and we imagine Verizon won’t be letting their old rival steal all the attention either. T-Mobile may be in the midst of AT&T negotiations, but they’re still expected to bring the HTC Pyramid and HTC Doubleshot along as well.

Then there’s Samsung, and its 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab, another source of plenty of rumors from the past few weeks. You can follow all our show coverage with the CTIA 2011 tag, and of course follow along on the SlashGear homepage!

More details after the cut

“The combination of AT&T and T-Mobile USA, if approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), would alter dramatically the structure of the communications industry. AT&T and Verizon are already by far the largest wireless providers. A combined AT&T and T-Mobile would be almost three times the size of Sprint, the third largest wireless competitor.

If approved, the merger would result in a wireless industry dominated overwhelmingly by two vertically-integrated companies that control almost 80% of the US wireless post-paid market, as well as the availability and price of key inputs such as backhaul and access needed by other wireless companies to compete. The DOJ and the FCC must decide if this transaction is in the best interest of consumers and the US economy overall, and determine if innovation and robust competition would be impacted adversely and by this dramatic change in the structure of the industry.” Sprint statement

“T-Mobile will not be joining [the CTIA panel] due to extenuating work demands” a show representative confirmed, though Verizon, AT&T and Sprint execs will still be joining the panel. CNBC’s Jim Cramer will moderate the event, which is likely to be dominated by talk of the potential acquisition.

Regulatory approval is more than just a formality, and could have significant financial implications to AT&T if the deal is blocked. The carrier would have to pay in the region of $3bn in breakup fees as well as commit to other penalties such as loss of spectrum.

More opinion on the acquisition in Ben Bajarin’s analysis, with the potential consumer impact discussed here.

T-Mobile FAQ:

Q&A: More Information About AT&T Acquisition of T-Mobile USA
Bellevue, Wash. — Mar. 20, 2011 PDT

An agreement was announced under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA. The agreement is the first step in a process that, including regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. Until then, we remain a separate company and continue to operate independently.

We know our customers, business partners and others may have many questions.

Here is some more information:

Will my service change?
There is no change in your service and we remain committed to ensuring you have the best experience possible experience using your T-Mobile USA products and services.

Will I now be billed by AT&T?
No, your billing remains exactly the same. T-Mobile USA continues to operate as an independent company. As always, you would receive advance notice to any changes to your services.

Why is T-Mobile USA doing this?
Bringing together these two world-class businesses will create significant benefits for customers. The merger will ensure the deployment of a robust 4G LTE network to 95% of the U.S. population, something neither company would achieve on its own. Also, because of our compatible networks and spectrum, the customers of T-Mobile USA and AT&T will experience improved voice and data service almost immediately after the networks are integrated.

Will T-Mobile USA’s quality be reduced?
No. In fact, the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile USA will offer an even stronger service to customers. Until the acquisition is closed, we will work hard to maintain our position as the value leader with America’s largest 4G network.

If the acquisition closes, will I still be able to use my T-Mobile USA phone?
Yes. Your T-Mobile USA device will operate the same in the future as it does today.

Should I wait to sign-up with T-Mobile USA or upgrade my phone?
No, T-Mobile USA offers the latest wireless devices that are affordable on America’s Largest 4G Network and the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile USA will mean even stronger service for our customers. Now is a great time to be a T-Mobile customer.

Is T-Mobile USA getting the iPhone?
T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G.

Will my rate plan change because of the acquisition?
We will honor all contracted plans that are entered into before the change of ownership.

Where can I express my opinion on this?
T-Mobile customers can utilize the company’s online Forums.

There’ll also be a 1.3-megapixel front camera, dedicated camera button, Android 2.3 Gingerbread with HTC Sense on top, and a sizable 1,730 mAh battery to keep all that 3D goodness running for a full workday. 1GB of RAM and a 4GB ROM are also rumored, along with both a Blockbuster 3D On Demand app and a YouTube 3D app, as HTC takes on the LG Optimus 3D and replaces the HTC EVO 4G flagship.

Meanwhile, Sprint’s version of the HTC Flyer – the HTC EVO View 4G – is also detailed, with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display just like the GSM version shown at MWC 2011 last month. It’ll also have the same 5-megapixel/1.3-megapixel camera pair, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, DLNA support and – unlike the GSM version – HDMI, apparently. The 4G name certainly suggests WiMAX support, and Sprint will also be officially announcing their version of the Motorola XOOM, complete with 4G onboard, for release later this year.

There’ll also be the Samsung Rant 3, a 3G-capable messaging smartphone with touchscreen and a solar panel battery cover, together with two versions of the BlackBerry PlayBook, both WiMAX and WiFi.

[via Android Community]

Video after the cut

There’s also what looks to be a custom UI, or at least some custom TouchWiz widgets, in one of the screengrabs (with some level tweaking) in the gallery below. Whether that means Samsung has modified Android 3.0 Honeycomb – which the 8.9-inch tablet is expected to launch running – remains to be seen; the company left well alone with the OS on the Galaxy Tab 10.1, and we’re hoping it showed the same restraint this time around.

Interestingly, the bowed back panel seen in the first teaser photo, to accommodate the headphone socket, doesn’t appear to be here. We’ll have to wait to see exactly how skinny the new Samsung is at CTIA later in the month.

[via Android Community]

“We promised to sell millions more Symbian devices” the invite taunts, a reference to Nokia’s intention to ship 150m handsets running the platform this year alone. As for what might be brought along for the US market, it’s most likely a release of the Nokia C7 on T-Mobile USA.

We’ve already reviewed the C7 and found it to be another example of the current Nokia story: great hardware, great connectivity, and a software experience that leaves many cold. SlashGear will be at CTIA 2011 later in the month, so we’ll see if some T-Mobile support can change our minds.

The Lexar Professional 133x SDXC memory cards will be perfect for capturing extended lengths of 1080p HD video and for shooting continuous rapid-fire images. The 133x rating means that the cards guarantee a minimum transfer speed of 20MB per second, which will significantly accelerate workflows when transferring images and HD videos from memory card to computer via a SDXC-enabled card reader.

These SDXC memory cards also include the latest version of the Image Rescue software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files. Both the 64GB and 128GB versions are available now for $199.99 and $329.99 respectively at B&H Photo and Video, Adorama Camera, and on Lexar.com. We here at SlashGear will be getting our hands on the 64GB card at CTIA later this month, so make sure to check back for our extensive review.

We’re not sure what this scene is going to be used for (or has been used for), but a good guess I recon would be BBC – judging by the inflection and intensity in the delivery of the words, of course. The best part of the experience is the pause at the end. Don’t expect this to be any award-winning sort of documentation of a once in a lifetime opportunity for footage, but if you only watch one video from Mobile World Congress 2011, let it be this one.

All this should be enough to excite you to the level you’ve GOT to be excited to for our upcoming trip to Orlando for CTIA 2011. It starts next Monday, the 21st of March, 2011, and we’ll be there for several days! This is another event in which we’ll be running around back and forth across a bunch of land through buildings filled with electronics for the greater good of our eyeballs, and we’re going to be bringing it to YOU on time and in class! Take a peek at our small but growing [CTIA 2011] portal now, and check it out 24 hours a day in a week!

From the name, however, we’re guessing HTC may be giving the Doubleshot a dual-core processor or twin displays. It’s not the first dual-core rumor we’ve heard for the company; the HTC Pyramid made headlines in early February, believed to tote a 1.2GHz Snapdragon chip. We’ve heard independently that the Pyramid is set to make its official debut at CTIA 2011 as well, and we’ll be on hand at the show to bring back all the details.

[via Android Community; Image credit Coffeegeek]

The Nexus S 4G, as the name suggests, is a WiMAX version of the Google Nexus S; two potential candidates have been spotted clearing the Wi-Fi Alliance, the SPH-D600 or SPH-D720. Sprint had previously flirted with the original Samsung handset in 2010, though ended up opting for the HTC EVO 4G instead.

Finally, there’s the Sprint EVO 3D, details on which are sparse to the point of merely speculation based upon the name. A 3D-capable device from an unspecified manufacturer, we’re wondering if LG has stepped in with its Optimus 3D and a carrier-branded version. We won’t know until CTIA – or the next leak, of course – which takes place in early April.

[via Android Community]

Last week, Sprint had some issues with their Samsung Epic 4G updating to Android 2.2 Froyo. But the problem seems to be resolving and we’re itching to see if they’ll push forth any devices featuring Android 2.3 Gingerbread or beyond at CTIA.

It will be interesting to see what innovations they have planned and how much of that involves new Android devices. Hopefully, it won’t turn out like last times joint event with Kyocera for the unveiling of the ever-so-slightly strange dual-screen Echo – although we do love magic.

The image also hints that the new tablet might be running Android Honeycomb by the honeycomb design pattern on the tablet pictured. Since the “special episode” is happening at CTIA and the Samsung Mobile badge is boldly displayed at the bottom right, you can most likely expect a 3G or 4G capable version of the tablet as well.

It seems like more and more tablets are popping up in the market everyday. Samsung will now have three tablets in its arsenal, but we’ll have to see if they’re strong enough to duke it out in the expanding tablet market. With Apple’s iPad 2 announcement coming in two days and the recent launch of the much anticipated Motorola Xoom, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

[via Fone Area]