MWC: Samsung unveils 10.1in Galaxy Tab

BARCELONA: Samsung has unveiled a 10.1in version of its Galaxy Tab device running on Android Honeycomb at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a 1,280 x 800 resolution WXGA display, and an 8-megapixel camera on the rear and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It will go head to head with the Motorola Xoom, which also runs Android Honeycomb.

The new tablet weighs 599g and is 10.9mm thick, and is powered by a dual-core processor which the firm claimed enables more efficient multi-tasking as tablet devices become increasingly popular with consumer and business users.

Andy Coughlin, global account director at Samsung, said that the device is being launched on the back of huge demand for tablets, and that the 10.1in version is a cut above its core rivals.

"Consumers all over the world are showing an interest in tablet products but, amid a flood of new products that enter the market, people will expect innovative products that fit their style and needs," he said.

"This is the best Android tablet as it satisfies design, performance and usability, and will be available soon."

Samsung unveiled the device alongside its new Galaxy S II smartphone at a launch event on the eve of Mobile World Congress, and touted several upgrades and improvements that it believes represent the next evolution in the tablet market.

Samsung Mobile Communications president JK Shin said that mobile-enabled devices, be they smartphones, tablets or other form factors, will dominate the market in 2011.

"The Galaxy Tab was the first truly mobile tablet to enter the industry and has become very popular. But this is just the beginning, and we expect demand will continue to grow steadily in 2011," he said.

"We will enrich mobile lives through smarter mobile devices and whole ecosystems of services and content to make our lives easier."

Samsung will no doubt be hoping to continue the success it has had with its tablet devices. The original Galaxy Tab has reached sales of two million, helping the firm to log record-breaking revenues for 2011.