Freescale unveils mini tablet reference design

Smartbooks could see a significant growth in 2010 as users demand larger screens for mobile browsing

Chipmaker Freescale Semiconductor has jumped into the tablet market with the launch today of a reference design for mobile devices which features a 7in touch screen and is one-third the size of an average netbook.

The company, which designs and manufactures embedded semiconductors, also claimed that by using its own ARM processor technology the next generation of smartbook products could be brought to market for less than $200 (£124).

The announcement will cause interest in the industry as the potential for next-generation tablet PCs continue to grow, with Apple expected to unveil products in this area in early 2010.

A spokesperson for Freescale told V3.co.uk that such small internet devices are set for significant growth in 2010 as the demand for social web sites such as Faecbook, Twitter and YouTube continues to grow, particularly on the move.

"As mobile browsing of social networking sites increases, people will want larger screens for a better experience, particularly for YouTube, as current mobile phone screens are too small for casual browsing," the spokesperson said.

The low price point for the device would be necessary to help facilitate the take up of the devices, and the spokesperson said that the firm expected these prices to be achieved by manufacturers.

Freescale said that the product could be on the shelves by the summer of 2010, but has yet to name any potential vendors.

The tablet features persistent connectivity and all-day battery life as well as Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities, and will be on display at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show on both Android and Linux systems.