It was possibly the worst-kept secret in tablet-land (more so than the iPad), but the final specs have now been revealed for the Samsung Galaxy Tab. It'll run Android 2.2 (Froyo) and comes in a 7-inch flavor—for now.
It's one of those moments where the final product actually exceeds expectations based on previous leaks. Sure, a lot of the specs we had heard before, but did you know the Galaxy Tab was going to be the first-ever DivX certified tablet?
We're pretty sure there'll be other tablet sizes coming at a later date from Samsung, but this particular GT-P1000 model has a 7-inch TFT-LCD WSVGA screen (with 1024 x 600 pixels), and is powered by a Cortex A8 1.0GHz processor and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU—the same one used in their Galaxy S phone-and runs with 512MB of RAM.
As expected, the back-facing camera is a 3MP affair with auto-focus and an LED flash, and the forward-facing one (for video conferencing) has a 1.3MP sensor. In some of Samsung's comedy lifestyle photos below, you'll see that back-facing camera being used for the Layar app. I'm not sure it's going to be any more convenient than using your phone, but it's most certainly a welcome addition.
Two storage capacities are on offer, either 16GB or 32GB, with both models allowing for a further 32GB memory expansion via the card slot.
Several connectivity options have been included, such as Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 3.0, and 3G support should a user want to use data with one of the supporting carriers (Vodafone has been signed up from the get-go.)
As we saw in the leaked video last week, there's a 30-pin connector port, similar to what Apple uses for its gadgets.
The one elephant in the room is the fact that Samsung's slicked its TouchWiz UI on over the top of Froyo. I'm not a fan of it on their phones, but will wait until a hands-on session with the tablet before I pass judgment on its usage here.
A Readers Hub, Media Hub, Music Hub and Social Hub act as dedicated areas for particular uses—like fancy folders, if you will. In addition to loading up the Android Market, it also has access to Samsung's Apps market for tablet apps. The Gyroscope, Geo-magnetic sensor, accelerometer, and light sensor could provide for some very interesting apps.
Full details in the press release below, with the Galaxy Tab on sale in Europe mid-September, and the US/other areas of the world later in the year. [via T3]
Update: Head here for our hands-on with the Galaxy Tab.
Berlin, Germany, September 2nd, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in mobile technology, today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Tab (Model: GT-P1000). Powered by Android Operating System 2.2, the Samsung GALAXY Tab is the first of the company's tablet devices, representing a new category of mobile products for Samsung.
The Samsung GALAXY Tab brings together all of Samsung's leading innovations to provide users with more capabilities while on the move. Consumers are able to experience PC-like web-browsing and enjoy all forms of multimedia content on the perfectly sized 7-inch display, wherever they go. Moreover, users can continuously communicate via e-mail, voice and video call, SMS/MMS or social network with the optimized user interface.
"Samsung recognizes the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market and we believe that the Samsung GALAXY Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA. This demand continues to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential," said JK Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "The Samsung GALAXY Tab has been designed to enable consumers to maximize their online experience wherever that may be. The Samsung GALAXY Tab is pushing the market in new directions and Samsung believes this is only the beginning of its innovations as pioneers in smart media devices."
A new concept of mobility for media
As a new category of device, the Samsung GALAXY Tab brings a wealth of mobile experiences. Its striking 7" TFT-LCD display delivers exciting mobile experience for watching films, viewing pictures, e-reading or sharing documents. In design, its light (380g) build provides perfect portability, with its svelte dimensions making it easy to grip and use. Supporting the latest Adobe Flash Player 10.1, the Samsung GALAXY Tab fully supports swift, seamless viewing of every single page of the web.
The 'Readers Hub,' Samsung's unique e-reading application, provides easy access to a vast digital library – from classical literature to the latest bestsellers and reference materials. At the same time, Samsung unveils 'Media Hub,' a gateway to a world of films and videos, and 'Music Hub,' an application giving access to a wide range of music tunes.
The Samsung GALAXY Tab has made rich communication truly mobile; it presents a level of converged technology that moves beyond mobile or PC to an entirely new category. Users have new powers to consume, create and communicate from wherever they are.
Powerful, always-on communication
With 3G HSPA connectivity, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® 3.0, the Samsung GALAXY Tab enhances users' mobile communication on a whole new level. Video conferencing and push email on the large 7-inch display make communication more smooth and efficient. For voice telephony, the Samsung GALAXY Tab turns out to be a perfect speakerphone on the desk, or a mobile phone on the move via Bluetooth® headset.
Powered by a Cortex A8 1.0GHz application processor, the Samsung GALAXY Tab is designed to deliver high performance whenever and wherever you are. At the same time, HD video contents are supported by a wide range of multimedia formats (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 and more), which maximizes the joy of entertainment.
While the front-facing camera allows face-to-face video telephony over 3G, the rear-facing camera captures still images and video that you can edit, upload and share, all without any hassle. As online content explodes, the Samsung GALAXY Tab is the best portable solution for every lifestyle that needs a constant connection.
The Samsung GALAXY Tab will be launched in Europe in mid September, and in other markets including Korea, the US and Asia in coming months. .
Applications of the Samsung GALAXY Tab
The Samsung GALAXY Tab is packed with services to complement and enhance your life in different ways. Access to Android Marketplace lets users download apps and personalize their device infinitely. In addition, there are pre-loaded applications uniquely designed and optimized for Samsung smart phones and smart media devices.
Readers Hub – Samsung Readers Hub consolidates e-reading applications such as eBooks, magazines, and newspapers. Users can enjoy 'reading' with unified and intuitive user experience powered by global eReading service leaders, Kobo, PressDisplay and Zinio. More than 2 million books including today's best sellers, over 2,500 titles of magazines in 20 languages and more than 1,600 newspapers in 47 languages are available at launch and will grow the library gradually.
Google Mobile Services – Services like Google Maps™ Navigation (Beta) 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.
More applications will be available from Samsung Apps.
The Samsung GALAXY Tab (GT-P1000) Product Specifications
Network
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps) : 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
OS
Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Display
7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)
Processor
Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540
Camera
3 MP Camera with Auto-Focus and LED Flash
1.3MP front camera for Video Telephony
Value-added
Features
Android Market™ and Samsung Apps for more applications and contents
Readers Hub, Media Hub* , Music Hub*, Social Hub
*Availability will be decided by market preference.
Adobe Flash 10.1 player support
Full HD video playback, Thinkfree Office, Swype, Hybrid Widget
Connectivity
30 pin connector
WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth® 3.0
Sensor
Gyroscope sensor, Geo-magnetic sensor, Accelerometer, Light sensor
Memory
16G / 32G internal memory with up to 32G external memory slot
RAM: 512 MB
Size
190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm, 380g
Battery
4,000mAh (7 hour movie play)
0 comments to "Samsung's Galaxy Tab Runs Froyo, Has Flash and Measures 7 Inches"