Toshiba details Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet

Toshiba has confirmed that it will launch a tablet running Android 3.0 Honeycomb this spring, as the manufacturer looks to establish itself as a player in the portable market.

A Toshiba Tablet teaser site has been launched to generate interest and show users what they can expect.

Key features include a 10.1in capacitive touch screen with 1.280 x 800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and 720p playback support.

A built-in ambient light sensor lets the device automatically adjust contrast and brightness to provide the best possible viewing experience, Toshiba claimed.

The latest Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system will be powered by an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, and the tablet comes with USB, mini-USB, HDMI and SD card ports.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity will be included, and Toshiba is keen to point out that Adobe Flash will be supported, unlike chief rival the iPad.

Wi-Fi is seen as a priority, but the Toshiba tablet is 3G capable, and Carrie Cowan, digital products division manager for Toshiba America, told V3.co.uk at CES earlier this month that Toshiba is actively talking to carriers.

A front-facing 2-megapixel webcam will allow for videoconferencing, and a rear 5-megapixel camera will cater for photos, videos and augmented reality apps.

Interestingly, users will also be able to replace the battery. This could win over business travellers who will be able to swap out batteries on long trips and continue using the device.

This could help Toshiba differentiate the tablet from the iPad and other similar devices with non-removable batteries.

The Toshiba tablet is due to start shipping as soon as Android 3.0 becomes available. V3.co.uk contacted Toshiba to confirm UK launch and pricing details, but the firm had yet to respond.

However, Toshiba will struggle to get a significant share of the tablet market as it faces stiff competition from the upcoming iPad 2, Samsung TX100 and Motorola Xoom.

"The main problem for Toshiba is that it has low brand awareness in the mobile market as tablets are seen as an extension of smartphones, not laptops and netbooks where the firm is strong," Francisco Jeronimo, research manager for European mobile devices at analyst firm IDC, told V3.co.uk.

"Without brand awareness, and significant operator and retailer support, the tablet could, like the Dell Streak, struggle to attract users."

Toshiba will be hoping that its latest tablet fares better than the ill-fated Folio 100. The 10in tablet was touted as a competitor to the iPad, but was embarrassingly pulled from shelves at PC World and Currys just two weeks after launch following a high level of returns.