So far this month we have seen a number of announcements from companies launching smartwear including Samsung, LG, ASUS, Huawei and Sony. We have also seen a number of smartphone released over the last few weeks with most notably two from Samsung (Samsung Note 4 and Note Edge) and two more from Motorola (Moto X and G). This is not only an android thing either with Apple only this morning announcing the launch of two smartphones (iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus) along with the obligatory smartwatch, the Apple Watch. However, what we have failed to see many announcements for this year is tablets. There have been a few announcements in the tablet world but generally speaking these largely consist of either budget-friendly devices or references and leaks to the illusive and mystery next generation of Nexus tablets. This is quite a step away from what we were seeing last year and the year before at this time of the year.
In spite of this being a largely ignored area this year, there are movements happening behind the scenes and it’s nice to be able to report that some companies are still maintaining a focus on tablets. One of the most interesting announcements recently in terms of tablets occurred today when Dell officially announced they are working on a new device. This did not come in the typical form of a ‘launch event’ as we have seen recently with Samsung, Motorola and Apple but instead was previewed at Intel’s annual technical conference in San Francisco. According to reports the new Dell Venus 8 7000 Series is an 8″ Android-based tablet and will be the “world’s thinnest tablet“. At the moment we are not too sure how thin the tablet will be as specs for the device have not been released. Either way, this is a significant claim and does at the very least highlight Dell’s intention to produce a decent tablet and not the run-of-the-mill budget tablets we have recently been hearing about. In addition to being the thinnest, Dell also claim the tablet will come loaded with “first-of-its-kind photo capabilities“. In this respect we do have slightly more details with the device expected to launch with Intel® RealSenseâ„¢ snapshot which will offer enhanced photography features such as the ability to add high definition depth, refocus and utilize selective filters all with the “touch of a finger“. According to Dell, the Venue 8 will literally “open a new creative horizon for developers to come up with apps that change how consumers engage with their photos“. There was no information provided by Dell in terms of how much the tablet is expected to cost although it was noted the tablet will be available in time for the holiday season.
So, while everyone talks about the new flagship smartphone or most stylish smartwatch, consumers can rest assured some companies are still working hard to make sure the seemingly forgotten tablets receive the same evolving treatment. However without the pizzazz of the typical Samsung, Motorola or Apple launch who knows whether Dell will be able to make an impact in this market. Do any of you want a Dell tablet? What if it’s the world’s thinnest tablet and offers revolutionary photographic features? Is any of you even interested in tablets anymore or too busy deciding on which smartwatch to buy?