Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” to leave Galaxy Tab behind?

By Geoff Duncan January 5, 2011

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although many parts of the Android world are still waiting for Android 2.2 “Froyo” and other parts are already gnoshing on Android 2.3 “Gingerbread,” a report in PC Magazine claims that Android 3.0 “Honeycomb”—a forthcoming version of Android more tailored to tablet devices—may require a dual-core Cortex A9 processor and even a 1,280 by 720 screen resolution. If true, it means the only chipset in production right now that meets the requirements is Nvidia’s Tegra 2 platform—and that many existing Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab would be left in the dust once Honeycomb hits the streets. Also left behind: pretty much every Android smartphone on the market.

The article quotes Bobby Cha, managing director of Enspert, a South Korean consumer electronics firm.

Samsung has previously implied that its Galaxy Tab products won’t be upgradable beyond Android 2.3 “Gingerbread,” although the company has not made any official announcements. The tablet only went on sale in the United States at the end of October, 2010.

Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming

Google has revealed few details of what it plans for Android 3.0 “Honeycomb,” although last month the company showed a tablet device from Motorola running an early version of the operating system and a focus applications that require a good deal of real estate. If Google is indeed focusing Honeycomb on high-resolution, processor-endowed tablet devices, the company may be getting ready to divide the Android marketplace into two classes: smartphones and less-capable tablets (like the Samsung Galaxy Tab) and premium, high-resolution tablets more able to compete with the likes of the Apple iPad, offering higher screen resolution and Android 3.0 “Honeycomb.”

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Deals

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, the best Android tablet in the game, is now $152 off

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Review

Android devices command the lion’s share of the smartphone market, but Apple has held its position as the top tablet maker for years now. The Apple iPad has stood as the tallest for awhile now, but other tablet makers are quickly catching up, with newer devices like the excellent Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 – which is now on sale on for less than $500 – proving that Android tablets can definitely deliver what it takes to compete with high-end iOS devices like the iPad Pro.

Given Samsung’s status as a dominant player on the smartphone landscape, it should come as no surprise that this company also makes the best Android tablet out there today. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is our favorite Android-based iPad Pro alternative thanks to its superb build quality, gorgeous 10.5-inch 1600p display, long battery life, and solid performance for streaming and multi-tasking. Four built-in speakers are also a notable upgrade over the typical dual (or even single) speakers you see featured on most tablets.

Mobile

Best smartwatch deals: Samsung, Google, Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin

The Nike Globe watch face on the Apple Watch Series 9.

You can almost always count on a smartwatch for some impressive savings, as even the best smartwatches regularly see a discount. The best Apple Watch deals often lead the charge when it comes to smartwatches, but Google Pixel watch deals aren’t far behind and the best Samsung Galaxy deals always include some smartwatch savings. There are a lot of smartwatch deals taking place right now, and to remove some of the confusion and help you get organized we’ve rounded up the best smartwatch deals you can currently shop below. Reading onward you’ll find great smartwatch savings whether you’re shopping for style or for one of the best fitness trackers.
Google Pixel Watch -- $180, was $280

If you're searching for a new smartwatch and you already own a Google Pixel phone, you might as well grab the Google Pixel Watch. The two obviously make a good pair. The Pixel Watch lets you access your messages and calendar, and even lets you control your other Google smart devices. That means changing the temperature, picking a TV show, or turning on lights just by talking into your wrist. It works with most Android phones, and comes with fitness tracking for 40 different exercises.

Mobile

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals: discounts and trade-in credit

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 display.

Back from the dead have stormed foldable phones, and we’re expecting more foldable phones in the near future. Leading the charge is Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, which includes the super popular Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. We find the Z Fold 5 to be among the best phones on the market right now, and despite its popularity and esteem, it regularly makes for one of the best Samsung Galaxy deals you can shop. In fact, it’s even among the best phone deals you can shop right now, as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is seeing discounts across several outlets. We’ve rounded them all up below, so if you’re in the market for a top notch foldable phone, scroll downward for the details.

If you’re into the idea of a foldable phone but aren’t sold on the Z Fold 5, there are also several Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 deals to shop, and they offer another foldable phone option by Samsung. If a more straight-laced smartphone is more intriguing to you, feel free to shop iPhone deals or even the Pixel Phones found in the current Google Pixel deals until your heart’s content.
Today's best Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals
With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 being on the market for a little while now, some great deals are going on. If you’re trading in your old phone, you could save a substantial sum. However, even if you haven’t got a phone to trade in, there are plenty of good ways to save with some third-party retailers discounting the phone to make it that touch more affordable.