Google Confirms Android Tablet is Coming Soon

By Ryan Fleming April 12, 2010

Once more into the breach. Google has become the newest company to claim its intent to steal away the hearts of potential tablet users. Although not officially announced yet, The New York Times is reporting that Google CEO Eric Schmidt has confirmed that his company is well underway in developing an Android powered tablet. No release date has yet been suggested, but with Nokia recently confirming their entry in the tablet market, and HP’s Slate confirmed for Fall, a 2010 release seems likely.

Details are still scarce on the Google tablet, but the report suggests that the tablet would essentially be an e-reader that acts like a computer. Australian website Smarthouse reports that the company HTC- fresh off the release of the Nexus One smartphone it developed with Google- is working on the tablet they are calling the iSlate. Reports confirm that HTC has developed several touch screen tablets, including one based on the Google Chrome web browser. Both devices are seen as direct competition for the iPhone and the iPad.

The details are still under wraps, but a Google tablet would have several advantages over its competitors, including a large Android app store, the ability to incorporate cloud computing and the power that is Google eBooks library.

With up to 600,000 iPads sold, and some projections putting the year end figures in the millions, Apple is doing their best to build up as substantial a lead as possible. With the competition continuing to grow and more and more tablet announcements on the way, one thing is certain. The tablet wars have officially begun.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

Mobile

The best Android tablets in 2024: the 11 best ones you can buy

OnePlus Pad with official Stylo pencil stylus on a wooden table.

Tablets may not be the hot new thing in 2024, but they're still excellent machines for streaming movies, playing games, or getting work done on the go. And while it seems like the best iPads dominate most of the tablet market, there are still plenty of excellent Android tablet options for consideration if you don't want to be locked in Apple's walled garden.

Whether you want an ultra-premium and superpowerful option, or something more affordable and compact, the Android tablet market has something for everyone. No matter your budget or spec preferences, here are the best Android tablets you can buy in 2024.

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Mobile

The best tablets in 2024: top 11 tablets you can buy now

Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

As much as we love having the best smartphones in our pockets, there are times when those small screens don't cut it and we just need a larger display. That's when you turn to a tablet, which is great for being productive on the go and can be a awesome way to unwind and relax too. While the tablet market really took off after the iPad, it has grown to be quite diverse with a huge variety of products — from great budget options to powerhouses for professionals.

We've tried out a lot of tablets here at Digital Trends, from the workhorses for pros to tablets that are made for kids and even seniors -- there's a tablet for every person and every budget. For most people, though, we think Apple's iPad Air is the best overall tablet — especially if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. But if you're not an Apple user, that's fine too; there are plenty of other great options that you'll find in this roundup.