VIZIO started the year with a bang. At January's Consumer Electronics Show, the company was showing off a tablet computer, saying that it would be coming in 2011. Now, the company has made things slightly more official -- and interesting.
Today, VIZIO announced details for the VIZIO Tablet, which is the company's first tablet release. Also known as the VTAB100B, the handheld features the Android platform, an 8-inch high-res (1024x768) touchscreen, and bragging rights as part of the VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (V.I.A. Plus) ecosystem.
V.I.A. Plus builds upon the company's VIZIO Internet Apps platform. Promising even more content, it can also work across the range of other V.I.A. Plus devices, such as the newly announced 47-inch XVT3D476SV Theater 3D HDTV, the VIZIO Phone, and other VIZIO products. Of course, because this is an Android device, users also have access to more than 400,000 apps available in the Android Market.
Besides built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, the Tablet also features a 1GHz processor, 2GB of onboard storage (which can be extended to 32GB with a microSD card), a three-speaker design, a front-facing camera, and built-in GPS. It can also deliver HD video to any HDTV, via a micro HDMI output. If you want to get the Tablet even more active in your A/V setup, it comes packing a remote control app and a built-in IR blaster, as well as codes for many existing devices in the U.S. VIZIO says that the battery can last up to 10 hours, depending on usage.
"With the introduction of the VIZIO V.I.A. Plus ecosystem, VIZIO is bringing a new level of cohesiveness to the HD entertainment experience, beyond what conventional CE devices have been able to deliver in the past," said Matthew McRae, VIZIO Chief Technology Officer. "Understanding that today's user touches multiple devices in the course of their daily routines, we feel it's important that the next generation of CE devices office a seamless user experience across all screens, from the living room to their handhelds. VIZIO V.I.A. Plus combines that common interface with today's best innovative technologies for a connected experience that delivers on our promise of Entertainment Freedom for All."
VIZIO hasn't announced pricing, although Engadget seems to think it will be $349. There's also no official release date, but VIZIO did say that we should see the VTAB1008 Tablet selling in retail stores this summer.
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