Tablet

Honeycomb tablet and iPad users are in for a new Google News experience, as Google took to its news blog last night to announce a number of tablet-optimized enhancements to the popular news Web site.

Google News now features a slightly modified UI with colors and buttons that fall closely in line with other recent changes to the tablet user experience. The news site also renders well in both landscape and portrait orientations, taking full advantage of available screen space without feeling cluttered.

Additional features include support for finger swiping across images when viewing the multimedia strip in the expanded … Read more

Logitech is putting a new spin on its Zagg wireless keyboard case by offering a version made specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The handy case/keyboard combo is currently available for preorder, and is due out in September for $99.

I've had some hands-on time with the case and can safely say that it is more than just a reshaped version of the iPad 2 case. There are more than a few shortcut keys that are specific to the Google Android Honeycomb OS. Across the top you'll find buttons for cut, paste, voice command, e-mail, and more.

Like the iPad 2 version, though, the case can be used as a stand to prop up your tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation. The keyboard works wirelessly over Bluetooth and recharges an internal battery over Micro-USB. To really get that mobile office experience, Logitech also offers an Android tablet Bluetooth mouse.

If you're a Tab 10.1 fan with some serious typing to do, I definitely recommend giving this a try. It's not as broadly practical as a generic Bluetooth keyboard, but the dedicated Android keys and the added advantage of protecting your tablet screen make it a great solution. … Read more

Google is reportedly in a hurry to unfreeze Ice Cream Sandwich.

The company is hoping to take away a little heat from Apple by trying to roll out its next of version Android before the iPhone 5 debuts, says AppleInsider.

Dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich, the next flavor of Android was initially slated to appear toward the end of the year. But Google has apparently been working hard to push up the launch date, with the first devices aiming to reach consumers as early as October, according to Boy Genius Report.

Citing information from a "source with knowledge of Google'… Read more

Apple has filed a complaint with the European Union over the design of the Motorola Xoom, FOSS Patents is reporting.

According to the blog, Apple's complaint against Samsung, which was filed in German court, includes mention of a complaint that Apple filed against Motorola. Exactly when Apple filed the complaint with the EU is unknown, but FOSS's Florian Mueller said that it could have happened either before or at the same time Apple took aim at Samsung.

The Android-based Motorola Xoom comes with a 10.1-inch display, and users can choosef Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi-and-3G connectivity. The device retails … Read more

Subscribers to major newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinel may soon find themselves reading their daily rag on an Android tablet. New reports have surfaced that indicate news publisher Tribune Co. is working in conjunction with Samsung to release a tablet with apps and services that feature the regional newspapers.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, several current and former Tribune employees provided details of the plans. According to the sources, readers can receive a free or highly subsidized tablet in exchange for longer term commitments and a data plan with a wireless provider.

The tablets are … Read more

No matter how tricked-out your Android layout is, you'll always find something new you want to do that takes one click too many to reach. Just as all projects go over budget, all your favorite apps and bookmarks are sure to spill over beyond your home screen. There's no one perfect solution for everyone, but there are a few habits and tools that can help keep your digital life close at hand.

Be ruthless. Clear your device of any applications you don't use, and clear your home screen of everything you don't either use every day (… Read more

Android tablets will win over more customers but continue to play second fiddle to Apple's iPad, according to some recent reports and forecasts.

Apple's tablet will dominate the industry for the next 10 years, predicts Needham analyst Charlie Wolf. In a research note released Friday, Wolf is eyeing an 85 percent share for the iPad this year from nearly 100 percent in 2010.

Although that number will gradually shrink each year over the next decade, Apple will retain its lead. And by 2020, the company will still account for a 60 percent slice of the tablet market, predicts … Read more

Vizio has launched its 8-inch tablet at a price that could make it a key player in the Android tablet space.

Customers looking to get their hands on the device can head over to Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, and Amazon, among other retailers, and pick up the tablet for $299.

Vizio's decision to drop the price of its tablet to $299 comes as a surprise. In June, reports surfaced, claiming Wal-Mart would be selling the tablet for $349. Last month, Vizio started offering the device on pre-order for $399.99. However, at the time, customers could go to … Read more

Wanna take a sneak peek at what Google Chrome OS for tablet devices could look like?

According to Lilputing, a Web developer named Francois Beaufort recently compiled the latest version of Chromium OS and discovered a hidden touch-screen interface for the open-source OS. He activated the touch-screen mode by adjusting export GYP_DEFINES="touchui=1", then running the standard "gclient sync" to revise the tarball. Voila!

Beaufort made a one-minute video of the interface, which, to be honest, looks refreshingly easy to use. A large black keyboard somewhat reminiscent of Android is found at the bottom, menus are enlarged, and navigation and option buttons are more easily accessible. While it's no Honeycomb, it wouldn't be hard to imagine this OS running on a less expensive tablet. … Read more