Last week, we went on the record saying that HP was set to unveil their new smartphones within a week and here we are just 5 days later with an announcement. The quad-core Slate 6 and Slate 7 VoiceTab are (as predicted) 720P displayed “mega” phablets that will play in the same market as Samsung’s Galaxy Mega line. The initial launch country will be India but more are on the way. While no price was given, we’d imagine that since the other details were true, the $200 price point for the Slate 6 VoiceTab and $250 for the 7-inch seem like a pretty good starting point.
The phones will come with 16GB of on board storage and have a Micro-SD card for 32GB more storage. As you can see in the image above, they both have stereo speakers a la the HTC One (no word yet on Beats Branding which HP still uses and HTC once used).
It appears that HP has really done its homework here and has identified a market where it can make things happen. HP obviously has a huge brand and PC presence in India and at the same time, the market is easy to enter because the carriers aren’t gatekeepers like they are in the US.
As for the phones themselves, they actually have some styling which is a notable step up from HP’s US slate lineup. While I’ll go on the record saying that I’m not a fan of the Black on Gold appearance from the press release and Android skin they are showing off, I’m not privy to style considerations from India.
Also ringing an alarm bell is the Android 4.2 launch OS. Combined with that pretty heavy looking skin/overlay, Indian consumers are already starting 2 OSes back…and counting.
In all, though Google has to be pretty satisfied with the launch. HP is traditionally a Windows shop but since Meg Whitman’s return has gone ChomeOS and Android first with the Slate line of tablets and now their Smartphones.
Another image if the Slate 6 Voicetab and Press release below:
HP Launches Voice Tablets for Consumers in India
HP’s next generation of mobile devices help users multitask on the go
PALO ALTO, Calif. — HP today unveiled two new mobile devices, the 6-inch diagonal HP Slate6 VoiceTab and the 7-inch diagonal HP Slate7 VoiceTab, designed to help the next generation of mobile customers multitask on the go.
With the introduction of the Slate6 VoiceTab and Slate7 VoiceTab, HP is delivering on its promise to expand to additional mobile categories and form factors and offer differentiated value to our customers.
“Consumers are looking to consolidate their phones and tablets, which is propelling the voice tablet market,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president, Consumer Personal Systems Group, HP. “This is an exciting new category that represents a meaningful growth opportunity for HP. Our HP Slate VoiceTab provides consumers with a high-quality product at a great value.”
The new compact, full-featured tablets are powered by a quad-core processor, enabling users to multitask at everything from email and web surfing to gaming and streaming.(1) Also featuring voice-calling capability,(2) the new devices deliver quality, reliability and performance to help users take care of business.
Built on Android™ operating system, and featuring the powerful Quad Core processor, the HP Slate6 and HP Slate7 are engineered for the way people multitask, while offering access to entertainment. Both devices come equipped with a 3G(3) Dual SIM Dual Standby(2) feature, providing voice connectivity and performance that allows people to work and play on the go.
The HP Slate6 and HP Slate7 also offer front-firing stereo speakers for top-quality sound that delivers an immersive experience that spans social media and gaming to streaming movies, music and more. Plus, the innovative new IPS Panel delivers a better viewing angle, while offering vibrant colors and a responsive touch.
Both devices come equipped with an HD(4) front and rear camera for photos and video chats.
The stylish, compact design is slim enough to fit nicely in the pocket and features a premium pixilated, scratch-resistant back cover design.
Availability(5)
The HP Slate6 VoiceTab and HP Slate7 VoiceTab are expected to be available in India in February.
Additional information about the new HP portfolio is available at http://www.hp.com.
(1) Wireless access point and internet service required and not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited.
(2) Voice capabilities require a separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in a specific area.
(3) Wireless Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in a specific area. Connection speeds will vary due to carrier networks, location, environment, network conditions and other factors.
(4) High-definition content is required for high-definition images.
(5) Not all models available in all regions.
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