Vizio Tablet and Smartphone to Debut at CES

2011 is shaping up to be a big year for tablets at the Consumer Electronics Show, and TV maker Vizio will be part of the touchscreen scene.

Attempting to beat the onslaught of product releases to come this week on the convention floor, Vizio announced the debut of its soVIA Tablet and VIA Phone, both of which will run on the Android OS.

As to whether the devices will run Froyo, Gingerbread, or another version of Android, Vizio isn't saying. Both devices will, however, be running the VIA Plus skin, a new app platform debuting with the VIA models.

The specs on the VIA Phone sound enticing. The VIA Phone boasts a 1-GHz processor (manufacturer as yet to be named), 4-inch capacitive touch screen and HDMI output with HD video playback.  There's a front-facing camera to make video chats possible, while the 5-megapixel rear camera allows for photos and HD video capture.

As for the VIA Tablet, it's got most of what the phone has: a 1-GHz processor, an HDMI output and a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion. The capacitive touch screen measures in at 8 inches — slightly smaller than that of the 9.7-inch iPad.

But the real competitive advantage may end up in the price points.

"There is a huge gap in the market for people who can't afford the iPad or whatever else," Vizio CTO Matthew McRae told Bloomberg. The company hasn't announced what the VIA Phone or Tablet will cost as of yet, but according to Bloomberg, McRae says that the products will be "very aggressively priced."

In addition to Vizio, several key manufacturers, including Toshiba, LG and MSI, are expected to unveil tablet devices at this week's show. Stay tuned on Gadget Lab for live coverage from the CES show floor.

See Also:

• Vizio's Wireless TV Connects to the Web Through New 'Widget Stream'
• Vizio Gives Up on Plasma TVs

Photo courtesy Vizio

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/vizio-tablet-and-smartphone-offerings-to-debut-at-ces/

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