Google to Put Amazon's Kindle Fire Out With 7-Inch Galaxy Tab
Google is reportedly partnering up with Asustek to create a 7.7-inch tablet to compete Amazon's Kindle Fire Tab, according to DigiTimes.
"Google and Asustek will unveil a 7-inch co-branded tablet PC as early as May, with the model targeting Amazon's Kindle Fire and to be priced at U.S. $199-$249," read DigiTimes report, which received this information from industry insiders.
Google began to act out its plans to create the device and formed a partnership with the Taiwan-based company at the end of 2011. Google had considered HTC to make the tablet, but ran into some issues when trying to broker a deal.
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"HTC has strong design capability but insisted on directing development of the co-brand model and was unwilling to develop a low price model to impair its brand image, while Acer did not have in-house R&D capability," indicated the sources to DigiTimes.
Asustek was the best choice for Google because of its ODM capability and quality product.
The company is hoping to gain Google's confidence so it can be trusted by the Android originator to create a line of impressive devices through a long-term partnership. Asustek also wants to learn Google's technology to develop software and content along with making its entrance into the U.S. tablet market.
The tablet is expected to be the first device that will feature the Google Play Store, according to the source.
"As more and more reports of this Google 7-inch product hit," wrote 9to5 Google. "I think Google has to go with a 720p display to beat Amazon's Fire which frankly is eating the 7-inch tablet lunch at the moment."
The site that specializes in all things Google also feels that it needs to keep the price on the tablet below $200 to tap into the Kindle Fire's market.
