From the size and proportions of the tablet seen in the photos, we’re guessing it’s the 7-inch variant of the Galaxy Tab 3 (with the other being a 10-inch model), but nothing in the images point to one or the other. We’re guessing that both sizes of the tablet will be identical in design for the most part.

Both of the photos include the actual device and the box that it comes in, along with a model number and everything. However, the full model number isn’t completely legible, but it starts with “GT-P,” which is what most Samsung tablets usually start out with. The photos also don’t show the device on or running, so we can’t get a closer look at the UI just yet.

So far, no specs have been revealed, other than the 7-inch and 10-inch size variants. Until we see more leaks of photos or even video, it looks like we may have to wait until Mobile World Congress in Barcelona before we get a real glimpse at the thing. Of course, we’ll be there live covering the event, so be sure to stick around for MWC coverage.

[via Phone Arena]

However, while a 10.1-inch tablet is almost a sure thing, it seems the 7-inch tablet is one Samsung hasn’t made a final decision on. There are four different model numbers for the Galaxy Tab 3, suggesting WiFi and mobile data variants of each size. Samsung has done the same thing for previous Galaxy Tabs, so the idea that the Galaxy Tab 3 will be offered in WiFi and cellular models isn’t very hard to believe.

Apparently, the Galaxy Tab 3 will come with a 5MP camera on the back, but that’s where the rumored specs end. SamMobile didn’t have anything else to share spec-wise, but it did say that the Galaxy Tab 3 should launch in the first half of 2013 and will be available in white from the start. If Samsung truly is launching in the first half of this year, then there would be at least a decent chance of the company announcing the tablet at MWC next month. We’ll be there, and you can bet we’ll be keeping an eye out for the Galaxy Tab 3.

The rumors don’t stop there though, as SamMobile also has a few details on a new Samsung tablet codenamed ROMA. Like the Galaxy Tab 3, the only thing the source could say about ROMA was that it featured a 5MP camera and would be available with either 16GB or 32GB of storage. This one is scheduled to land in the first half of 2013 too, so provided we aren’t being taken for a ride by these rumors, it should be a big pretty six months for old Sammy. Stay tuned.

[via Android Community]

Users that own a Samsung Galaxy tablet that have the Peel Smart Remote TV app installed will be able to provide real-time feedback during the 2012 presidential debates. Users will also be able to use the Peel app to easily switch the TV channel to any of the available stations that are showing the debate.

Throughout the debates, users will be able to “cheer” and “boo” responses from the candidates and to voice their support either for or against. Immediately following each debate, Peel claims they will be the first to provide a broad range of feedback from thousands of other viewers based on what they had to say through the app.

You can also see which candidate that viewers believe dominated the debate most, see which issues that were discussed received the most feedback, and even donate to the Obama or Romney campaigns straight through the app. The Peel app is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Tab 7.7, Tab 2 7.0, Tab 2 10.1, and the Note 10.1. The presidential debates will be broadcasted live beginning on October 3.

Though each of these tablets will get the update to this new version of their native software in kind, we can expect the Wi-fi versions of each size to be moving forward first. The reason behind this situation is that while it’s relatively easy for a manufacturer to update their version of Android when they’ve created the software as well, it becomes exponentially more difficult the more software is added by the mobile data carrier.

Thusly, if you’ve got a tablet that’s Wi-fi only, you can expect Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich very, very soon! Just so long as that tablet exists on this list, of course:

GT-P6210 Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0 WIFI
GT-P6200 Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0 WIFI + 3G
GT-P6810 Galaxy Tab 7.7 WIFI
GT-P6800 Galaxy Tab 7.7 WIFI + 3G
GT-P7310 Galaxy Tab 8.9 WIFI
GT-P7300 Galaxy Tab 8.9 WIFI + 3G
GT-P7510 Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI
GT-P7500 Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI + 3G

You’ll notice that the original Samsung Galaxy Tab does not appear on that list, nor does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 lineup. The Galaxy Tab 2 lineup is not on the list because it already has ICS right out of the box, and the original Galaxy Tab simply wasn’t made for software updates this far forward in time. That said, there’s always a hack or two that can jam said system into play if you really, really want it.

Have a peek at the timeline below to see Galaxy Tab news galore, and be sure to let us know if you plan on upgrading or staying with Honeycomb!

[via Android Community]

We got our hands-on this device back at the announcement of its release here in the United States and can say this: it’s extremely similar to the original. What you’ve got here instead of what we had back a year ago with the original 10.1 is some front-facing speakers and a bit different processor on the inside as well as a couple other enhancements. Notable for those who love to customize, this device has a microSD card slot for memory expansion and does indeed use Android 4.0 with the newest version of Samsung TouchWix UX on top for a sweet tablet experience.

The battery inside this mother is a massive 7,000 mAh and the camera on the back is a 3.0-megapixel shooter. You’ve got a built-in IR Blaster so you can work with your smartTV right out of the box and you’ve got 50GB of storage via Dropbox for free when you buy this tablet brand new. Sound like a good deal at $399 from Office Max? They’ve got the tablet on sale for pre-order right now!

This tablet will likely either be a re-introduction to a tablet we already know, as it’s been said here to have a dual-core processor, or it could be simply a release date affirmation for, again, something we already know about. It could very well be the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 aka the Galaxy Tab 10.1N once again shown with another brand new name for the UK, or, least likely of all, it could be a brand new tablet altogether.

No official word has come from Samsung, but I assure you, we will give you the full blast when we’re there LIVE at the event itself. This London event is set to take place on May the 3rd and we’ll be covering it right as it happens here on SlashGear as well as over on Android Community. You’ll be able to catch all the Galaxy S III action as well as any news related to this mysterious tablet as quick as a bunny!

[via CNET]

UPDATE: Samsung has contacted us with the following statement. Looks like we’ll have two cores after all!

“The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will come to market worldwide as planned with a dual-core processor. Rumors about production delays or changes to the product are false.” – Samsung Spokesperson

We’ve had our hands on every single Samsung tablet since they first released the Samsung Galaxy Tab internationally and here in the USA on several mobile carriers. The one thing that has remained completely solid is the fact that Samsung is dedicated to creating a solid experience on devices of many, many different sizes. At CTIA 2011, we got our first glimpse of what would be called the first real competition for the iPad in the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9.

Thus far the Galaxy Tab line has relied on NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 dual-core processors and the Texas Instruments OMAP4 dual-core processors as well. This move to Samsung’s own Exynos brand is a sign that the Samsung factions are coming together not just for the smaller handset sized devices in the Galaxy S line, but here in the slightly harder to work for tablet world as well. ARM Cortex-A15 2GHz CPUs and the Quadcore Cortex-A9 chip rumors have been tossed around as well.

Have a peek here at the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 to get an idea of what you’ll be working with on the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1:

Any way you look at it, expect the next generation of Samsung tablets to break barriers!

[via NetbookNews]

These new tablets are likely to take the place of Samsung’s current hero set of tablets: the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 7.7. Another possibility is the idea that this roadmap was produced before the Galaxy Tab 2 lineup was presented, with both the 7-inch and the 10.1-inch models still being prepared for a June launch aside one another. We’ve got no qualms guessing, at this point, that Samsung is preparing more tablets for their ever-expanding lineup of every-size devices.

One way or another these tablets will be working with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, both the Galaxy Tab 2 units already coming with that newest version of Android as they’re released this summer. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is also being prepped for release after showing itself for the first time earlier this year at Mobile World Congress. Could Samsung be preparing a Galaxy Note 7-inch tablet as well, S-pen included?

They certainly could be – why not?

Have a peek at the timeline below to further explore what Samsung has presented the tablet world in the recent past. Tablets on the way!

[via Android Community]

Hardware

This device takes what the original Galaxy Tab had (the oldest Galaxy Tab, the one that’s closest to this one in size and shape) and tosses it out the window. You’ll not find a device that’s closer to that one in shape than this, but the hardware inside and out are completely revamped. This device runs a dual-core TI OMAP processor clocked at 1GHz and runs a 1024 x 600 TFT LCD display with a 3-megapixel camera on the back.

You’ve got an IR blaster on the side of this device to connect to your Samsung Smart TV, and a microSD card slot to expand your memory by 32GB. The device runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich which means you’re up on the newest version of Google’s mobile operating system and it all runs rather slick. Have a peek at Quadrant Standard benchmark here to get an idea of what you’re working with on this 7-inch dual-core Android device:

This device is wi-fi only at the moment and we’ve got no word quite yet on whether or not there will be a mobile data connected version in the near future. Wi-fi connectivity thus far has been great, no complaints whatsoever on our home network.

Software

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is running surprisingly smoothly with TouchWiz in this case, this compared to the original version of TouchWiz UX for tablets that came on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 which has since come to be a slightly more impressive amalgamation. Have a peek at this hands-on video to get a better idea of what you’ll be working with as far as software:

This version of Ice Cream Sandwich is one modified by Samsung. That means that you’re going to get a few extra bells and whistles which Samsung says will increase your abilities on the tablet and make it a wholly better experience in the end. As it stands: they’re right. We’ve not yet seen a purely “vanilla” look at Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, having come only relatively close with the first ICS-certified device in the Transformer Prime with ASUS modifications.

Samsung’s widgets are arranged in the newest versions of TouchWiz in a way that makes them magazine-like. They’re set up to make your screens utilized to their maximum ability.

TouchWiz exclusive apps sitting on top are able to be accessed with that lovely little arrow at the bottom of the display – they’re working quite smooth this time around!

This device runs truly smoothly and we’ve had no troubles running high-powered apps and games even though Samsung has made it clear that this tablet isn’t truly made for that sort of business. Connecting to your Samsung Smart TV is where this device will shine for Samsung-loving gadget addicts, the same being true for those that love Smart Remote action with the Peel app and Netflix on the go. Have a peek at some of the other Galaxy Tabs we’ve checked out thus far in the timeline below:

Camera

The camera setup here clearly isn’t made for the everyday photo and video enthusiast, instead held back to cut costs for the entire tablet as it stays within the realm of camera-toting tablets (an elite bunch, as I’m sure you’re aware.) Have a peek at some examples here and let us know what you think. The photos are taken with the 3 megapixel capabilities of the back-facing camera, while the video can be viewed at up to full quality 720p.

Look like good enough quality media for your everyday life?

Battery Life

Like every Samsung tablet we’ve used in the past year, this one has been optimized to keep up with your daily activities the whole day through. Packing enough power to keep a smartphone active a whole day works doubly well when you’re on a tablet that’s wi-fi-only, and since you’ve only got two cores running at 1GHz each, you’ll be golden for a couple days of medium use at least. Good luck!

Wrap-Up

This device is one of Samsung’s undeniably vast number of tablets they’ve got on the market right this second. Compared to the Galaxy Tab 7.7, it’s not nearly as impressive, but also not nearly as costly. This tablet is made to be inexpensive enough for anyone to afford while it keeps many of the features and elements that make a Samsung tablet experience one to look forward to. And best of all, the price on this beast is one to look forward to: $249.99 with no contracts for data to speak of! All that on the 22nd of April – that’s coming up quick, get your wallets out!

This, like all of our reviews, is not the end of our review process – it’s only the beginning! If there’s anything else you’d like to know about the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. We’ll either answer straight up or, if the question is big enough for a feature, we’ll write a whole extra post! Seeya there!

Touting an unnamed Samsung tablet as his daily tablet driver currently, Google’s current CEO Page let the Businessweek interviewer know that up until recently he’d been working with Motorola tech. The Motorola XOOM tablet, aka the first Android working with an operating system tuned specifically for the tablet space, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, was Page’s everyday tablet until this year.

He also let the world know that Android and the tablet hardware it runs on will be increasing in quality as the show does go on:

“I think that those are great experiences, but they’re going to get a lot better. I think that we’re at the pretty early stages of this.” – Page

What Google will be bringing to the Android tablet show can be seen first off in the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich experience we’ve already had on the Transformer Prime. Have a peek at our review of the first ever Android 4.0-certified tablet on the market here, and stay tuned for more Android tablet action!

These models take on what Samsung has released already with the Galaxy Tabs of many different sizes and builds, this newest release being what Samsung has noted will be a low-cost set of alternatives to the already ultra-powerful models they’ve released without the “2″ in the name. Users of the original Galaxy Tab will have quite a jump ahead of them, while Galaxy Tab 2011 users will likely be avoiding this release.

These tablets will come in 3G and Wi-fi configurations, and will have either a 7-inch with 1024 by 600 pixel resolution display, or a 10.1-inch display with 1280 by 800 pixel display. Both models will have dual-core 1GHz processors inside, cameras on both sides, and 32GB of storage inside. Both models will also have a microSD card slot for memory expansion. At the moment, this release is set for the UK only.

Build Quality

This device looks and feels every bit as high quality as a Samsung smartphone. It’s not made with a lot of aluminum as the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is, so it doesn’t match up perfectly as far as materials go, but it feels right nonetheless. This is a keyboard dock I plan on using until I’ve got to send the Galaxy Tab 7.7 review unit back, I guarantee you that.

Ease in Use

You open the box, you place your Galaxy Tab 7.7 in the dock, and… oh that’s it. Really that’s all you need to do – just so long as your Galaxy Tab is charged up, the keyboard dock will be charged up out of the box and you’ll be able to go with it right away. After you’ve used it for a while you may have to plug the dock in to the wall with the 30-pin Samsung jack on the side using the cord you got with your Galaxy Tab, but other than that it’s perfectly simple. There’s no software you have to download, no options you have to tap, nothing like that – it just works instantly.

Expandability

There are three ports on this device, and one of them is right up top where the tablet connects to the keyboard. When you connect to the tablet, it is, again, an instant connection with no configuration, but just as important is this: it’s not to loose and its not too snug. Samsung has had some experience with making docks for their billion different sized smart devices over the past couple of years – and it shows here in this excellent glove of a device.

On the back of the device there’s a headphone jack that’ll double as a speaker jack since you’ve already got a headphone jack up on top of your tablet, and on the side there’s another 30-pin Samsung port so you can plug into the wall or your larger computer to transfer files. There’s no USB ports, Samsung’s own USB Connection Kit for the Galaxy Tab line being the one responsible for that action. We’d prefer a USB port in the first place to avoid the middle-man, but perhaps Samsung is attempting to keep everything clean and simple.

Wrap-up

This keyboard dock is made to be just as high quality as the tablet is, and it looks and feels just like it was made to hook up with the tablet as one full product. There’s no knowing whether you’re going to use the dock on a daily basis unless you’ve had a similar experience with tablets in the past, but here’s another spoiler for you: it’s fun enough to use that you might as well just drop the cash on it right now. Key on into the future of convertible tablets!

This device is available from Verizon today for $79.99 online – grab it!

Google has been quiet on pen control for Android devices, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been thinking about it. Android 4.0 already includes support for stylus input, natively recognizing multi-button pens, taps, tilt/distance, pressure and more. Everything, in fact, you’d need to create an art- and handwriting-capable Android phone or tablet.

“Android 4.0 includes full support for stylus input events, including tilt and distance axes, pressure, and related motion event properties. To help applications distinguish motion events from different sources, the platform adds distinct tool types for stylus, finger, mouse, and eraser. For improved input from multi-button pointing devices, the platform now provides distinct primary, secondary, and tertiary buttons, as well as back and forward buttons. Hover-enter and hover-exit events are also added, for improved navigation and accessibility. Developers can build on these new input features to add powerful interactions to their apps, such as precise drawing and gesturing, handwriting and shape recognition, improved mouse input, and others” Google Android 4.0 Highlights

Samsung and LG – both with devices currently running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with custom pen support – are yet to confirm whether they’ll be switching over to ICS’ native stylus input system when the Galaxy Note and Optimus Vu make the leap to 4.0. But Google and its new hardware team at Motorola could easily put a Note/Vu rival together using native ICS code.

It’s possible that pens are a passing trend rather than something which will stick. Samsung and LG are known for being fiercely competitive with each other; where one goes, the other usually follows, even if that’s in a direction the rest of the industry is less convinced by. The Galaxy Note is certainly a niche device, but LG obviously decided it was a niche worthy enough to wade into itself.

Still, the Optimus Vu presents a slightly different proposition: its display is squatter, wider than that of the Note, using a 4:3 aspect panel – like Apple’s iPad – rather than the taller, narrower Samsung screen. In effect that means wider notepaper to write on, though it’s also worth remembering that Samsung still squeezes in more horizontal pixels: the LG screen is 768 pixels wide, versus the Galaxy Note’s 800. That’ll have a – small – impact on how fine your handwritten text can be.

As for who else might follow the Korean companies, the phablet market is still very much uncertain. HTC has experimented with pen input itself, though on its tablets rather than smartphones. The HTC Flyer beat the Galaxy Note to market, but struggled thanks to less precise digital inking. Its meatier stylus also lacked a place to dock into the Flyer itself, too, something even Palm many years ago could’ve told you was essential. After all, if the pen is even slightly tricky to carry, you’re unlikely to bother taking it with you. The HTC Jetstream, meanwhile, was priced out of contention, though there’s talk of a Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet from Samsung next week.

Motorola has been arguably the least experimentative of all the major Android players – it has all-touch phones, QWERTY phones, and a couple of sizes of tablets – so far, a side-effect perhaps of its tightened focus after years of spreading its ambitions (and resources) too thin. With Google taking the reins, and access to the core Android engineering staff, that period of reticence could be over. A Google Nexus phablet might be too much out of left field for the company’s traditional own-brand purposes, but – like the original XOOM, arguably positioned as a Nexus device in all but name – a Motorola phablet could well be used to showcase Android 4.x’s native stylus skills and highlight its abilities over and above iOS.

These tablets have a 7-inch PLS multitouch touchscreen displays 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, Wi-fi b/g/n, and Bluetooth 3.0. The backs have a 3.2 megapixel camera capable of capturing 720p HD video, the fronts have a 2.0 megapixel camera for video chat. Each tablet comes with 16GB of built-in flash memory and have a microSD card slot with space for up to a 32GB microSD card.

Both tablets have a massive 4,000 mAh Li-Pol battery for one whole heck of a lot of up time, both weigh in at 345 grams, and both are the same size at 194 x 122 x 9.96 mm. These tablets will likely only be released in parts of Europe, starting with Germany, and will be available in pure-white or metallic-gray. The 3G version will cost 569 Euro off-contract and the Wi-fi version will ring in at 499 Euro. Sound like a deal to you?

[via The Unwired]

What’s being confirmed here by Samsung to Sammy Hub is a set of prices that sit in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, along with assurance that the Galaxy Tab 2 will release in the UK first. This tablet is shaping up to be rather similar to the ASUS MeMO tablet we saw at CES 2012, but at half the core power and twice the price. Will the high-powered display be enough to convince customers that this is the winning 7-incher?

Here is the official pricing and availability for the Scandinavian countries. Expected in March, the tablet will sell in both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + 3G versions.

Sweden:
Wi-Fi: 2,995SEK (450USD)
3G: 3,695 SEK (556USD)

Finland:
Wi-Fi: 349EUR (463USD)
3G: 429EUR (568USD)

Norway:
Wi-Fi: 2,400NOK (420USD)
3G: 2,990NOK (523USD)

Denmark:
Wi-Fi: 2,350DKK (419USD)
3G: 3,995DKK (512USD)

Take a trip down Chris Davies way to get a better understanding of this situation and head back to our last review of a Galaxy Tab to see what Samsung is about to offer. This is the billionth tablet shown off by Samsung in the last year it seems, and there’s no sign of them stopping in 2012. Tablets galore for all!

There are several signs that this is a budget model, targeting the entry-level in Samsung’s expansive tablet line-up. For a start, the main camera is fixed-focus, and has no LED flash; the front-facing camera, meanwhile, is VGA resolution rather than the more typical 1.3-megapixel or above. It’s also 10.5mm thick, not vast in the grand scheme of things, but still chubbier than other recent slates Samsung has produced.

That comparative heft is used to accommodate WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, A-GPS and – likely optional – HSPA+ connectivity. There’s also either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, plus a microSD card slot for augmenting that. A 4,000 mAh battery rounds things out, though Samsung isn’t saying how long that should last for.

Software, meanwhile, is Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – the first Samsung slate to come preloaded with ICS, it seems – with TouchWiz modifications, the various content hubs, ChatON IM app, KIES Air and DLNA support. Pricing is unconfirmed, as is availability, though we’re assuming the Galaxy Tab 2 will be cheaper than the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

[via SammyHub - thanks Kote!]

The LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be given to each Suns player complete with the team’s playbook, video from team practices and games, and scouting reports on opponents. It will also be easier for the team to manage their master itinerary and other travel plans.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab will also be used by the Suns throughout US Airways Center on game-nights such as for showing clients interactive views of game seating, presentations for season ticketholders, and other in-game promotions. The tablets will also be integrated into the Suns’ TV and radio broadcasts as a way to interact with digital fans via social media.

While the Galaxy S, the original Galaxy S that is, and the original Galaxy Tab have in common is that by today’s standards, they aren’t the most fantastic. Their specifications put them positively in the mid to low range of mobile handhelds and they’re not exactly the most wanted devices on the market by any standards. That said, Ice Cream Sandwich was and is made to work with no additional hardware requirements over Android 2.3 Gingerbread, so aside from TouchWiz, there really shouldn’t be an issue with these devices running the newest tasty treat.

Those of you rolling with a Galaxy S or Galaxy Tab today: are you still on the software you got out of the box, or have you hacked? If you’ve hacked, you’ve got the opportunity to update to Ice Cream Sandwich much sooner than the surely late next year timeline that Samsung will undoubtedly be announcing later this week. Meanwhile enjoy your still fully functional devices to the fullest, you’re in for a big treat if Ice Cream Sandwich ever drops for you!

[via Venture Beat]

The explanation, however, seems inconsistent since the Android 4.0 update is already being rolled out to Samsung’s Nexus S, which features similar internal hardware. The Galaxy S packs the same 1GHz Hummingbird processor and enough memory for ICS.

Hence, what’s really preventing the ICS update is Samsung’s custom TouchWiz interface and a host of other “experience enhancing” software that already take up a lot of resources. Although the hardware is the same, the Nexus S, unlike the Galaxy S, does not need to deliver TouchWiz, carrier services, video calling software, and mobile TV.

[via The Verge]

Australian court judges stated that Apple won the original ban by a hair. Furthermore. Apple has being requested to cover all of Samsung’s legal costs for overturning the the nearly two-month ban. This return to the market doesn’t exactly absolve Samsung’s faults, though, it does change the perspective to one where Samsung’s very manifestation onto market wasn’t so detrimental that it would fatally inflict damage on Apple’s tablet business.

With the final lift of this regional market ban, Australian shoppers can expect to fork out $579 AUD for the Wi-Fi model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, and $729 AUD for the 3G model. To all Aussies down under, this is Samsung’s early Christmas present to you guys. So do the South Korean company proud, and whip out your credit card and go buy a Samsung Galaxy Tab for your closest and dearest.

[via Reuters]

What you get in this box is the first Samsung tablet to be running on the brand new LTE network let loose in the USA only late this year – note that you’ll have to be in one of the few AT&T LTE covered areas to get your full LTE speed on, but that you’ll be rolling out relatively quick wherever you go on AT&T’s normal 4G network should you go out of the big city. Inside you’ll find the newest version of Samsung’s vision for tablets, that being TouchWiz UX, and it’s running what appears to be much more slick than its predecessor – that being the first version of UX on the 10.1. Notice in the video you’re about to see that there does seem to be a couple of kinks in the soup:

UPDATE: Here’s a better hands-on look from our final review of this device. Pay no attention to the idiot in the first video, aka me being foolish.

But also HEED THIS: you’ll see a rather human side of your humble narrator in the video above, a mistake or two leading you to what appears to be a Tegra 2 processor and a collection of rather interesting games out of the box — instead note that this device comes with a QUALCOMM processor clocked in at an impressive 1.5GHz on each of its 2 CPU cores. This device comes with a basic set of Google apps as well as a handful of Samsung apps and AT&T specific apps, each of them having shown up on many of their most recent collaborations such as the Samsung Skyrocket, another Samsung AT&T LTE-capable device. Have a peek at what this device has to offer in the video and the photos here in this post, then be sure to let us know what YOU want to know or any tests you want us to run before we give you a full review in the next few days!

This device will be $399 for the 16GB model and $499 for the 32GB model right out of the gate, both of the devices having the same specifications other than the internal storage difference. This tablet has a 7-inch display with a relatively moderate 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, all of this running on a lovely 1.2GHz dual-core processor. This device will be released with Android 3.2 Honeycomb and has two cameras, one 2 megapixel camera on the front and one 3 megapixel camera on the back. This device is thus far only going to be available as a Wi-fi unit — though a T-Mobile 4G HSPA+ version is said to be around the corner.

We recently saw this device mistakenly listed by J&R for pre-order for the same prices as are listed above. This device was announced back on September 30th, 2011 and is set to replace the original Samsung Galaxy Tab which was one of the very first Android “tablet” sized devices on the market when it was released. This Galaxy Tab Plus is set to get a gradual global roll-out that includes Southeast and Southwest Asia, US, Europe, CIS, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Japan and China. Exciting!

Initial US feedback to the Galaxy Tab in 2010 was reasonably positive, but by the time it reached Verizon, AT&T and others, one of the big convergence features – voice calling – was missing. The carriers opted to have it blocked, anecdotally so as to avoid customers dropping their cellphone agreements in favor of the Galaxy Tab (and hopefully instead paying for both a 3G phone and a tablet).

It’s not clear whether caution over carrier positioning helped prompt the development of the Galaxy Note, but it’s certainly easy to imagine Samsung greenlighting an oversized phone (alongside rather than instead of a compact tablet) so as to make sure their convergence hybrid would make it to store shelves with voice service intact.

So far we’re yet to see any carriers jump on the Galaxy Tab 7.7, though we imagine Samsung will be pushing its HSPA+ slate across all of the major operators in the US. Without voice service, though, it would be a far more difficult sell.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 hands-on:

We’ve previously experienced this most impressive bright and brilliant technology in the Super AMOLED Plus on the recently released Samsung Infuse 4G and as recently as earlier this week on several new models of the Samsung Galaxy S II as revealed in New York City. Compared to essentially any competitor’s smartphone or tablet display technology, Samsung’s Super AMOLED Plus display ends up being the clear winner as far as clarity and overall abilities in brightness go.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 comes in a lovely metal casing with rounded edges for both a high-quality feel and a portability unmatched in the Galaxy Tab lineup thus far (at least as far as Honyecomb tablets go, that is.) This device will be working on your HSPA+ 21 Mbps network carrier for true mobile abilities, you able to access data and internet wherever you go quickly becoming the only way to fly, especially in tablet form. This device is powered by an unnamed 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, it’s display’s resolution sits at 1280 x 800 (WXGA) on a 7.7-inch screen, and its utterly massive 5,100 mAh battery should keep you chugging along for days on end, no problem. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, this newest tablet has a microSD card slot into which you can insert up to a 32GB card for memory expansion galore.

You’ll be working with the newest version of Google’s Android mobile operating system Android 3.2 Honeycomb with Samsung’s newest TouchWiz UX user interface working on top of Android to bring you a true Samsung experience. You’ve got full 1080p video playback, DivX included multi codec and Universal Remote Control functionality able to work with your TV, Set top box, DVD player, Blu-ray player, AV audio system, and more!

Like all recent Samsung releases, this device has access to Samsung’s several “Hub” access points for media including Game Hub, Music Hub, Social Hub, and Readers Hub. The newest of these is the Game Hub, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 being the first Samsung device to come with it out of the box, it containing social games, all the social games your heart could possibly desire. Finally there’s Voice and Video support – speak directly to your tablet in a video chat for clear video and voice or set your device for Receiver Mode for a more private talk.

Follow along with us LIVE for the rest of the Samsung Unpacked event at IFA 2011 for total coverage of every Samsung device we’ll be marveling over for weeks and months to come!

What we can expect from the Galaxy Tab 7.7 was revealed earlier this month on August 11th where we got our hands on a leaked roadmap of Samsung devices which also let us in on possible specs for the first Ice Cream Sandwich device, the Nexus Prime (though we don’t call it that in the roadmap article, learn about how it was confirmed twice just yesterday on our sister site Android Community.) What this leaked roadmap tells us is that the tablet will be the next Android tablet in line to run Google’s official tablet-ready mobile OS Android 3.x Honeycomb.

In addition, this same roadmap lets us in on the idea that this tablet will come in two versions: P6200 and P6210 (or P6100), the latter being a Wi-Fi only device while the former will be an HSPA+ device (we’re hoping for the 4G LTE version sooner than later, if you know what I mean.) Next we believe this tablet will have a 3 megapixel camera on the back, a 2 megapixel camera on the front, and will have a rather impressive display to tote along.

Note that the photos above (at least one of them) have the Android menu row of soft keys, this indicating that the device will not be running Android 3.x Honeycomb.

Now here’s where it gets a bit more interesting: this device is said to have a 1024 x 600 pixel display – that’s all well and good on it’s own – but what we MAY be looking at here is a massively impressive (compared to current tablet-sized displays) Super AMOLED screen. Though back on the 12th of August the folks at Samsung insisted that the roadmap and some other details of future devices seen on several blogs were not accurate, we’ve got to keep considering what was noted:

Some media have been reporting that Samsung is preparing to launch nine new smartphones and two new tablet devices. While Samsung is continuously working on new devices for our customers, the details being cited are not accurate in this case.

We appreciate the interest in our upcoming mobile devices and will share more information once its available.

Beyond (or perhaps in spite of) Samsung’s words here, details on a 7-inch Super AMOLED display have been popping up since November of 2010. Inside that month we got to see a lovely glance at an early vision of a 7-inch Super AMOLED Galaxy Tab-style display. On the other hand, on May 2nd, 2011, we were again told by Samsung that there’d be no Super AMOLED tablets inside 2011. We shall see!

Note that we will of course be up and ready at the Samsung event (and many other events) during IFA 2011 in Berlin next week. Stick with us for coverage galore!

UPDATE: also note that Samsung’s official IFA 2011 website is now up and running – at the moment with just a placeholder image, fully functional soon I’m sure.

[via OLED-Displays]

Samsung may have inadvertently revealed three of its upcoming products when they released their Samsung Mobile Unpacked teaser app on Android Market. The app is meant to reveal Samsung news and events as they develop at next week’s IFA 2011, which is the largest consumer electronics show in Europe and takes place in Berlin, Germany from September 2 to 7.

The app delivers exclusive early access news on Samsung’s events and locations for IFA, including official press releases and even the ability to stream live video of the major Samsung press events. A tipster of Thisismynext, dug around the app’s APK and discovered three logo images for a Galaxy Tab 7.7, a Galaxy Note, and a Wave 3.

The Galaxy Tab 7.7 tablet isn’t a surprise since it makes sense that Samsung would follow up its Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 tablets and it will most certainly run a version of Android Honeycomb. The Wave 3 is expected to be a smartphone running Samsung’s latest Bada OS, and we’ve seen teaser video for it in recent weeks. However, the Galaxy Note doesn’t lend any clues as to what device it could be. Perhaps, another tablet of some sort? Let us know if you have any guesses.

The researchers looked at “watchability” – the level of post advert engagement the viewers felt – together with “persuasion” – the degrees of desire, relevance, likeability, attention, information, and change – and found that Samsung’s commercial scored ten points more than Apple’s, at 650 versus 640. Particular strengths were in the attention category, which apparently resonated significantly among the 36 to 49 demographic, along with the “change” category, in which 16 to 20 year old women rated Samsung particularly strongly.

Unfortunately, it seems that few in those demographics actually went out and bought the Galaxy Tab – 16-20yo women probably weren’t too impressed by the US carrier’s expensive data plan commitments, for instance – and Samsung struggled to convert that advert appeal into sales. Tellingly, the iPad 2 scored particularly strongly in the “desire” category.

Agree with Ace Metrix’s findings? Let us know which advert you prefer in the comments below.

Samsung Galaxy Tab advert:

Apple iPad 2 advert:

[via GigaOm]

This device will be available in several different forms, two of them being with the white-backed casing similar to what we’ve seen in the standard edition and two with a new grey backing. Both editions have a $529.99 for 16GB model and a $629.99 for 32GB model. This makes the tablet the second most expensive tablet in the Verizon library, the first being the iPad 2 32GB edition which will run you $729 and will only be running on Verizon’s 3G network.

Interestingly enough, Verizon also turns you on to the original Galaxy Tab 7-inch model at the bottom of their big Galaxy Tab 10.1 listing. The original Galaxy Tab is a 7-inch tablet running Android 2.2 FroYo, a tablet that was the biggest deal in Android when it was originally released – tablet-wise, anyway.

For data plans with this new Galaxy Tab 10.1, you’ll be looking at $30 per month for a 2GB limit, $50 for 5GB, or $80 for 10GB. You’ll also have a separate price for the ability to tether your device to your PC, and of course there’s no talk or text price because this is a tablet, not a telephone.

Go grab it at Verizon now!

The information that the FCC has posted shows that the new version of the Tab is model GT-P7500 and pack in hardware supporting the GSM 850 and 1900 bands along with the WCDMA UMTS bands II and V. If you follow wireless tech much you will note that those are the bands that AT&T uses here in the US marking this new version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for AT&T. There is no word on when exactly the new tablet will turn up on AT&T but often the FCC approvals needed are the final hurdle to be cleared on the way to store shelves.

So far, there is no official statement from AT&T on when the tablet will come or how much it will cost. Generally, we see 3G tablets going for $100 more than the WiFi only versions. Other than the 3G hardware, we can expect the new version to have the same 10.1-inch touchscreen, Android 3.1 OS, and presumably the same 16GB or 32GB flavors. The 16GB WiFi only version sells for $499 and the 32GB WiFi only is $599. If I had to guess, I’d peg the 3G versions at $599 and $699 respectively.

[via Wirelessgoodness]

Reports claim that Samsung is having low yield issues with the 8.9-inch G1F touch panels that use one less layer than traditional GFF panels require. The fewer layers the screen has the brighter it is and the thinner it is allowing the tablet to be thinner too. The yields are so low on the screen that Samsung is reportedly looking at an alternative screen for some areas at launch. The catch is that alternative screen isn’t as good as the one that was announced on the Tab 8.9.

The alternative screen is 30-40% thicker and dimmer according to reports. The thicker profile is due to an extra layer inside the screen. The tablet will apparently carry the same price no matter what version of the screen you get. One key answer that we don’t have is what area will get the thin tablet that we know and what area will get the fatter tablet with the alternative screen.

[via Android Community]

The official pricing will be $599 for the 32GB WiFi version and $499 for the 16GB WiFi version of the tablet. You will be able to pre-order the Tab 10.1 online starting on June 8. The tablet will run Android 3.1 Honeycomb and is hailed as the thinnest tablet on the market. It is only 8.6mm thick and weighs 1.25 pounds.

The 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 and the machine uses a speedy Tegra 1GHz processor. The battery is a 7000 mAh unit good for nine hours of use per charge. “Ensuring that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 launched with Android 3.1 Honeycomb was part of our constant commitment to meeting the needs of our customers,” said Dale Sohn, President and CEO of Samsung Mobile. “The Galaxy Tab 10.1’s ultra-thin design and 10-inch touchscreen are impressive differentiators in the tablet market place. We’re going to make the Galaxy Tab 10.1 even more powerful, entertaining and secure through a series of upgrades coming to this device.”

[via Android Community]

That comes as little surprise, perhaps, given the apparent popularity of the GSII. Samsung expects the second-gen handset – which Shin says has actually sold around 1.3m units – to launch in 120 countries by early June, and pave the way for higher-spec devices to dominate more of Samsung’s mobile line-up.

“The race for 4G has already started … 4G transition is inevitable particularly for tablets because it requires faster download speeds than smartphones to handle bigger volume content.” J.K. Shin, president of mobile communications, Samsung

As for the tablet, Shin wouldn’t say exactly what sort of specs it would have nor, indeed, what flavor of 4G it would support. That leaves HSPA+, WiMAX and LTE on the table, along with all of the US carriers; of course, Samsung is perhaps more likely to bake each carrier its own version to suit their networks.

Finally, Shin had some dismissive words for the Apple lawsuit, in which the Cupertino company has accused Samsung of copying its distinctive iOS designs in its Galaxy line-up. “We didn’t copy Apple’s design” the exec insisted. “We have used many similar designs over the past years and it will not be legally problematic.”

That limited edition version of the Tab 10.1 was running Android 3.0.1 as the OS. The Samsung Tab 10.1 product page has been changed and now shows that the tablet will come with Android 3.1 under the hood. A newer version of the OS onboard is a great thing indeed, unless it pushes the launch date out to allow Samsung time to get that OS updated on all the Tab 10.1′s that it has ready.

To make things more exciting for Tab 10.1 fans a tweet was posted up that claims the launch of the Tab 10.1 is “days away.” I hate teasers; I wish Samsung would just say when it is coming. If the upgrade on the OS takes a while, we could see the tablet roll past that June 8 launch we are hoping for. We can only wait and see at this point what the launch date turns out to be. Perhaps Samsung will give us more hints soon.

[via Android Community]

Hardware

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has had a complicated inception. Samsung first outed the slate at Mobile World Congress in February, running NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 dual-core processor with a 10.2-inch 1280 x 800 display, 8-megapixel rear camera and 10.9mm thick chassis. At the time Samsung was talking about a March release, which has obviously since slipped; that’s because, in the meantime, Apple announced its iPad 2.

The second-gen Apple tablet was significantly thinner than its predecessor, at 8.8mm, and sent Samsung scurrying back into its labs to rework their rival to better compete. The end result – along with its smaller Galaxy Tab 8.9 sibling – arrived at CTIA 2011 in March, a waifish 8.6mm that bested the iPad 2′s bulk by a scant 0.2mm. In the process it lost some megapixels, taking the camera down to 3-megapixels though still with autofocus and flash. The original tablet was rebadged the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V, a Vodafone Europe exclusive.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition still keeps the 1GHz dual-core processor, a choice of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, WiFi a/b/g/n (dual-band), Bluetooth 2.1 and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Initially there will be WiFi-only models, with 3G versions arriving later in the year. It also has the excellent display of its siblings, with bright colors, strong contrast and great viewing angles.

Unlike the aluminum iPad 2, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 uses all plastic in its construction. The regular model will be dark grey, unlike the white of the Limited Edition, though both measure in at 256.6 x 172.9 x 8.6 mm and 595g. That makes it slightly longer and slightly narrower than the Apple slate, as well as 5g lighter. More importantly, perhaps, it’s thinner and lighter than the XOOM (13mm/730g), G-Slate (12.8mm/630g) and Eee Pad Transformer (13mm/680g). Despite the plastic build it’s reasonably solid and flex-free, and the Gorilla Glass front leaves us fairly confident it could survive being tossed into a bag without a case to coddle it.

Ports include a dock connector on the bottom edge – which will support 1080p HD with the right adapter, unfortunately absent – along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, though no dedicated HDMI or even USB. That leaves owners relying on whatever adapters Samsung offers for hooking up a wired keyboard and mouse, or using Bluetooth peripherals. Stereo speakers are on either side, rather than on the bottom edge as in the 10.1V. Physical controls are limited to power/lock and the volume rocker on the top edge. A microphone is on the bottom.

Software

We’ve already thoroughly reviewed Android Honeycomb, Google’s tablet-centric OS, finding it a platform with plenty of promise though its fair share of rough edges. What sets this special edition Galaxy Tab 10.1 aside is that it comes without Samsung’s TouchWiz UI adaptations. The eventual commercial release in June will see the Honeycomb interface tweaked with various widgets and other components.

That given, we’ll have to wait until retail units are available to find out exactly how well Samsung’s customizations play out. From what we’ve seen already on various Galaxy Tab prototypes, it looks to strike a solid balance between usability enhancement and still leaving Honeycomb roughly intact. There are Live Panels, with weather, calendar and other content, a Mini Apps Tray for quick launching favorite apps, and the Social Hub app – pulling in Twitter, Facebook and other social networking content – familiar from the Samsung Galaxy S II. Finally there are the Reader, Media and Music Hubs, Samsung’s download stores for digital content.

We’ll revisit how well Samsung’s custom software works when the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is officially released.

Performance and Battery

With the same processor as the other Honeycomb tablets we’ve reviewed, it comes as no surprise to find the Galaxy Tab 10.1′s performance broadly in line. That means generally snappy reactions, though some periodic lag or hiccups that may well be Honeycomb in need of finessing. Benchmarking tool Quadrant came in with a total of 2107 with a CPU result of 6367.

With no USB ports, you’re stuck using the supplied Samsung cable to hook up the Galaxy Tab to your computer. We had issues getting it to play nicely with OS X, with the Tab getting stuck in Kies – Samsung’s management app – mode and, while claiming to be connected, not showing up on our Mac. That put a limit on what we could side-load, and left us envious of the USB host support ASUS and others provide.

The 3-megapixel camera has autofocus and an LED flash, while the front-facing webcam musters 2-megapixels.

Neither is going to replace your point-and-shoot, or even your regular smartphone camera. Images from the main camera tend to be low on detail and high on noise in all but the best lighting, sufficient for Facebook but not exactly keepsake-quality.

Video, meanwhile, is reasonable, pumping out 1280 x 720 clips that are relatively blur-free and show none of the gruesome dropped frames the Eee Pad Transformer. Samsung has tweaked the camera interface on its regular Tab 10.1, but you get the UI as Google intended it on this Limited Edition version.

Battery life is, again, much the same as on offer from the XOOM, G-Slate and other Tegra 2 tablets. That means sufficient for a day of heavy use, or several days of mixed standby and browsing, media playback and general app use.

Pricing and Value

Samsung’s first Galaxy Tab suffered when it came to price comparisons with the first-gen iPad. Cautious and conservative carrier subsidies in North America left the 7-inch tablet looking unfavorably expensive, especially with its voice call capabilities excised.

It hasn’t let the same mistakes happen again. So far we’ve only seen pricing for the WiFi-only Tab 10.1, but Samsung has sensibly hit the same price-points as Apple. The 16GB Galaxy Tab 10.1 will come in at $499 while the 32GB model will be $599; Samsung hasn’t confirmed the 64GB, but we’re guessing at $699.

Of course, since Samsung confirmed those figures, ASUS has launched the Eee Pad Transformer. A surprise bargain at $399 for the 16GB model (factor in another $149 for its clever Keyboard Dock with the integrated battery) and so popular ASUS is struggling to keep it in stock, it undercuts both Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 by a cool Benjamin, despite offering a beautiful 10.1-inch IPS display.

Samsung’s slate is obviously thinner and lighter than the Eee Pad, but battery life is broadly similar (from the tablets alone, at least) and there’s more connectivity on the ASUS too. While the Transformer’s camera is, on paper, better than that of the Galaxy Tab, in practice it pumps out glitchy video and underwhelming stills, and so Samsung keeps the advantage there.

If Samsung can negotiate competitive subsidies for the 3G versions then it could gain back an edge, and we can’t help but feel it’s a more polished all-rounder than the Transformer slate alone. Nonetheless, $399 is hard to argue with.

Wrap-Up

With Honeycomb the common factor across the 10-inch Android tablets we’ve seen so far, differentiating between the slates comes down to more personal preferences. Weight, shape, thickness and material all play a huge part in how you feel about a tablet, something intended to be grabbed for a quick email check, curled up with on the sofa for an idle browsing session, or dropped into a bag for use on the move. It’s no surprise that Apple spent so much time at the iPad 2 launch detailing the physical changes of the second-gen tablet: this is a segment where tactile attraction goes a long way to help justify what’s usually an emotional rather than rational purchase.

On that front, the fact that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is such a slight slate earns it a disproportionate amount of our approval. Yes, it lacks the ease of wired connectivity other Honeycomb tablets offer, and it doesn’t have a clever battery-equipped Keyboard Dock like the ASUS, but the vast majority of the time it’s bulk – or lack of – that makes the difference. Samsung has made a tablet that feels like a tablet should: science-fiction thin, quality display and lightweight.

The somewhat plasticky chassis reminds us of Samsung’s recent smartphones, though is the inevitable compromise to the sub-600g weight, and Android still has its tablet-scale flaws, but overall it’s the hand-feel, which convinces us on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. In fact the biggest competition on that front may be Samsung’s own Galaxy Tab 8.9, offering the same screen resolution in a more compact form factor, which arrives later in the year. Feature-chasers should probably opt for the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, but content-consumers looking for the most easily toted tablet will find plenty to like in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Our “crazy” Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 unboxing ceremony:

Exclusive unboxing ceromony by Vic Gundotra, Google’s Sr. VP of Engineering:

Relate: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hands-on at MWC2011 [Video]

It’s a real treat to have a look at an Android tablet that trumps even the iPad 2 for thinness at 8.6 millimeters thin weighing in at just 595 grams and feeling like it could float away at any moment. This device is set to be supporting HSPA+ network speeds, sits pretty with Bluetooth, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n, and is set up real nice with a 1Ghz dual-core processor for all your super fantastical tablet rock and roll needs. Such a lovely device hath never been seen to date!

We’ve got a bit of a gallery of high-res photos of this lovely lady for you below plus a hands-on video for your full enjoyment. Take not that we got Steven Spielberg to direct this video, we spared no expense in filming it. You wanted the best, you got the best, straight from SlashGear into your homes and eyeballs. Also stay tuned as we get more and more bigtime fantastical news, hands-on, and all manner of exciting tidbits this week as we explore Google I/O with a full team both here on SlashGear and over on our sister site Android Community.

You can see ALL of the Google I/O action here on SlashGear via our portal: [I/O 2011!]

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a very distant second place, holding only a 4 percent share of the market. Following that is the Dell Streak with 3 percent and the Motorola XOOM with 2 percent. Beyond ranking, the survey delves deeper to see the break down of cellular versus WiFi tablet ownership as well as how tablet owners generally used their tablets.

Of the Apple iPad owners, the report revealed that 43 percent owned the 3G iPad, while 39 percent owned the WiFi-only version. Of tablet owners in general, 50% of all tablet owners are the only ones in their homes that use a tablet while 43 percent share the device with others. Also, 35 percent say they use their desktop less often or not at all since their tablet purchase. This is interesting when compared to laptop owners, of which 32 percent say they use their desktop less.

Furthermore, the report revealed that of the tablet owners that also owned an e-reader, 27 percent found they used the e-reader less often or not at all. This same percentage was found for those who also owned a portable media player. For those who also own a portable game console, the percentage that used the device less often after a tablet purchase was 25 percent.

But going back to that whopping 82 percent domination of the tablet market by Apple’s iPad, it’s truly impressive. However, it didn’t seem to help with the Apple-exclusive news app launched by News Corp.’s The Daily. The Daily debuted with a decent splash, being the first iOS app to employ Apple’s new and controversial in-app payment system. However, the publisher has reported a $10 million loss in its first quarter with a total of 800,000 downloads. They believe the disappointing numbers are due to the early stage of their post-trial service and because the tablet market is still in its infancy. They will be bringing the app to other tablet devices in the future.

[via Apple Insider]

The new plant was expected to come on line this year, producing 7-inch and larger AMOLED panels as well as smaller screens for PMPs and smartphones. However, component delays resulting from the Japanese earthquake added what Samsung estimated could be up to three months to the roadmap; similar shortages have impacted Samsung’s chip production.

Samsung demonstrated a 7-inch Super AMOLED tablet prototype back in November 2010, only weeks after the original model – with an LCD display – went on sale through US carriers. The company initially expected production in 2011 to be 10x that of the previous year.

[via OLED-Info]

Video demo after the cut

Samsung had confirmed that the streaming functionality was on its way back in February, shortly after announcing the new Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy Tab 10.1. The system basically is Samsung AllShare – the company’s DLNA client – in reverse, with the HDTV transcoding its input and pushing it out over WiFi to a Galaxy Tab or a Galaxy-series Android smartphone.

The app itself is a more advanced version of the remote control software currently available for download in the Samsung App Store, which turns your phone or tablet into a remote for your smart TV. What’s new is the “Watch TV” option; there’s a couple of seconds delay behind what’s on the HDTV and what’s on the tablet, but it does mean you can flip between inputs on the remote app and leave the main screen showing something different.

Samsung Smart TV streaming demo:

Samsung says the smart TV streaming app will be released in the Samsung App Store on the original 7-inch Galaxy Tab in anything from 2-5 weeks. The app will be preloaded on the upcoming Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Tab 10.1 models.

For the Galaxy Tab, first of all, you’ll be getting what they’re calling enhanced performance in your web browsing as well as a bug fix that’ll make it so your battery wont be drained while you search for Wi-Fi signals. In email and messaging you’re going to be getting hyperlinks inside your email, time displayed on your status bar that accurately reflects when your latest email was received, and you’ll now be able to manage and download all your favorite 2002-2003 Word documents. You may now “select all” your name cards, open a 5MB video attachments in emails, and keep your font sizes the same while you’re replying to messages.

This odd assortment of items continues with an update of Adobe Flash Player to 10.1.95.2. Next, an adjustment of the Time Zone settings of your calendar events which changes depending on the location you are on the earth. Finally, you’re now able to finally have two alarms – thank god – where the first alarm can be silenced while the second is not.

If that weren’t enough, here comes the updates for the 4G USB stick! First, you’re going to get an “improved connection” in Verizon 3G and 4G LTE service areas. Next, the auto connect functions properly in 3G and 4G LTE service mode. There’s a bit of the ol’ improved device stability, reduced device resets, and more accurate transmit power display.

Learn all about how to update your devices to their newest software in the gallery below!

As of April 10 the WiFi-only version of the Android tablet will show up in stores, priced at $349.99. That’s $150 more than the lowest prices of the 3G-enabled models, though of course the carriers will insist on you taking out a two-year data plan, which bumps the overall cost considerably.

In terms of functionality, it’s basically the same single-core Froyo slate as we’ve seen on several occasions, only relying on WiFi for its connectivity. Check out our original Samsung Galaxy Tab review for more details. The WiFi Galaxy Tab went on sale in the UK at the end of March, priced at £299 ($488).

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

Samsung Galaxy Tab™ Available for Purchase at Multiple Retail Stores and Online Outlets

Consumers receive chance to purchase WiFi-only version of Samsung’s award-winning Android™ platform mobile tablet

DALLAS, April 6, 2011–Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, announced today that several retail stores and Web sites will carry the WiFi-only Samsung Galaxy Tab™ by April 10, offering customers the opportunity to buy this powerful and compact mobile tablet for $349.99. Consumers can visit http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab for a complete list of retail outlets selling the WiFi Galaxy Tab.

The Galaxy Tab is powered by the Android™ 2.2 platform and has a 7-inch TFT display with a 1024 x 600 resolution. The super-light and sleek device weighs just 13 ounces, is 12 millimeters thin and easily fits in a pocket or purse. The Galaxy Tab includes 32 GB of internal storage and offers microSD expansion to allow for up to 32 GB of additional storage.

“We are excited to have the WiFi version of the Galaxy Tab join our growing portfolio of Galaxy-branded devices,” said Dale Sohn, President of Samsung Mobile. “The 7-inch Galaxy Tab is the first truly mobile tablet on the market, allowing users to comfortably hold the device in one hand while typing or navigating the Web with the other.”

Outstanding Entertainment Options

The Galaxy Tab supports Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 to deliver an enhanced content experience and allow users to engage with thousands of sites with rich Adobe Flash Player compatible applications and content including games, animations, rich Internet applications (RIAs), data presentations and visualizations, ecommerce, video, music and more. Plus, the device is designed with a rear-facing 3 megapixel camera for taking pictures on-the-go, and a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera and camcorder for video chat.

In addition, the Galaxy Tab includes access to Media Hub, Samsung’s own content service, offering a vast lineup of critically acclaimed films and TV programs for rent or purchase. The biggest and best names in entertainment, including CBS, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. provide new release movies, next day TV episodes and full TV show seasons to the robust Media Hub library. Media Hub also promotes content sharing, including the ability to send purchased films and TV programming to as many as five devices that carry the Media Hub application.
Google Services & Social Hub

Services like Google Maps™ Navigation and Google Goggles are available on Google’s Android platform. With useful location-based services like Google Maps™, consumers can search in Standard English instead of entering an exact address. A search-by-voice function is just as intuitive, meaning searches can also be completed easily on the go. Google Goggles™ is a powerful, visual search tool that uses the Samsung GALAXY Tab’s camera to uncover information – an image of a landmark or artwork is automatically used to perform a search, delivering relevant content like a description or history. In addition, with a camera, users can enjoy various augmented reality services which are downloadable in the application market. Plus, Galaxy Tab users have full access to more than 150,000 applications available for download from the Android Market™.

The Galaxy Tab keep users organized and connected with Samsung’s Social Hub application. Social Hub works with the user’s Messaging and Contacts to initiate the sending and receiving of information, whether it is e-mail, instant messaging, social network updates or SMS messages. Additionally, calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar, and social networking services are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.

Samsung Galaxy Product Portfolio
The WiFi Galaxy Tab joins other popular products under the premium Samsung Galaxy brand, including the upcoming Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy 8.9, Galaxy Player 5.0 and Galaxy Player 4.0 and the portfolio of Galaxy S smartphones.

About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung
Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and
telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit
www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital
media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8
billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the
company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile
Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital
Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands,
Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and
TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

1 Number

one mobile phone provider in the U.S claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data,
according to Strategy Analytics, Q4 2010 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.