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March 30, 2012

Google-branded Tablets to Hit the Market in 2012

By David Gitonga, TMCnet Contributing Writer

Google-branded tablets may soon start appearing on the market. The Internet search company is looking to introduce their own brand of tablets that will run on Android in a bid to boost sales in an Apple (News - Alert) iPad dominated market. While Google will not be expected to design and produce the hardware in-house, the company’s brand name will feature prominently on the tablets. Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co. and AsusTeK Computer Inc. are some of the manufacturers that have been contracted to produce the hardware.



Citing from credible sources the reason behind this move, the Wall Street Journal had this to say, “The Internet Search Company will sell co-branded tablets directly to consumers through an online store like rivals Apple and Amazon.com (News - Alert) Inc. The move is an effort to turn around sluggish sales of tablet computers powered by Google's Android software.”

Rumors of a supposedly Google-branded tablet started circling in December 2011 when Eric Schmidt (News - Alert) was reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera to have mentioned of Google’s plans “in the next six months to market a tablet of the highest quality.”

This is not the first time that Google has attempted to enter the consumer device market. Back in 2010, Google launched and started selling the HTC (News - Alert) Nexus One smartphone contract-free online under its own brand name.

Other companies like Amazon also continue to improve their tablets. The online retailer is expected to release its beefed tablet following the success of the Kindle Fire tablet. According to a report by the Taiwanese IT industry newspaper DigiTimes, “Amazon will launch at least two tablet PCs in 2012, with a possibility that the number may increase to four, according to industry sources. Shipments of a 10.1-inch model are expected to begin in July."






Edited by Jennifer Russell
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