The Galaxy Tab 2 has a 1,024 x 600-pixel screen that
measures seven inches (more screen sizes are sure to follow). It’s Samsung’s
first tablet to run ICS. With the latest Android comes useful features like an
improved interface that allows users to swipe-control apps and the ability to
unlock the phone just by looking at it via Face Unlock.
You also get an OS that’s designed from the ground up to run
on tablets as well as smartphones — unlike some other devices such as the
Kindle Fire, which run a version of Android that was originally meant for
phones. That means most functions should run smoothly and the few Android apps
designed specifically for tablets will really shine.
Samsung packs some of its own software on board, starting
with various content “Hubs” where users can quickly get movies, TV, music,
games, books, newspapers and magazines. Of course, users can just eschew those
in favor of outlets like Netflix and Google Music (and I’m betting most will).
The Tab also has something called S Suggest, which suggests apps for “suited to
users’ tastes.” No word on exactly how it determines that.
Besides those additions, the Galaxy Tab 2 is the first
mobile device to include AllShare Play, the cloud service Samsung launched at
CES. Using the service, Tab 2 owners can play back or even live stream video
from other Samsung devices.
Samsung also says the Tab 2 has improved social abilities.
Being an Android device, Google+ integration is seamless and includes the
ability to start hangouts “spontaneously.” There’s also integration with
Samsung’s ChatON service, which is similar to BlackBerry Messenger or iMessage,
leveraging the device’s data connection to start chats of send instant messages
cheaply and easily.
There will be two models of Samsung Galaxy Tab 2: a 3G+Wi-Fi
version and a purely Wi-Fi one. It’ll debut in March, first in the U.K. then
worldwide, and reports say it’ll cost about $350, though Samsung hasn’t
confirmed the price. U.S. carrier partners for the 3G version haven’t been
announced.
Interested in getting the new Galaxy Tab 2? What excites you
about it? Let us know in the comments.
