GAMESTOP STARTS SELLING ANDROID TABLETS PRE-LOADED WITH 7 GAMES

GameStop recently began carrying several Android Honeycomb tablets pre-loaded with seven free games. It was originally rumored that the game retailer would begin selling its own custom Honeycomb tablet, although it appears that is no longer the case. GameStop currently lists the Acer Iconia, Acer Iconia Tab A500, ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, Motorola XOOM, ViewSonic VPAD7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in stock with prices starting at $300. The seven free games include Dead Space, Madden NFL, Monster Madness, Sonic CD, Re-Load, Riptide GP and Cordy. GameStop is also bundling a special tablet-friendly own-brand Bluetooth controller with its slates for an additional $39. The devices are currently only available in 200 of GameStop’s stores, although you can also purchase one directly from the company’s website.

SAMSUNG AND GOOGLE POSTPONE ICE CREAM SANDWICH AND NEXUS EVENT

It appears that Samsung and Google have decided not to launch the Galaxy Nexus (or Nexus Prime, or whatever it's called) and Ice Cream Sandwich at their October 11th Unpacked event. The two companies sent out a joint announcement reading:

Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced.

The press event on the 11th was expected to be not only the debut for the successor to the Nexus S, but our first good look at the next version of Android. For whatever reason the companies have decided to delay that launch. But, if Eric Schmidt is true to his word, we shouldn't have to wait too much longer... he did promise us that it would launch by November.

APPLE FOUND TO BE MANIPULATING IMAGES IN SAMSUNG LAWSUIT AGAIN

Dutch technology news site Webwereld on Friday uncovered new images that suggest Apple may again be tampering with photographic evidence used in its case against Samsung. In this instance, it appears as though an image submitted to a court in the Netherlands intentionally misrepresents the South Korea-based company’s Galaxy S II smartphone. While the Galaxy S II is both wider and taller than Apple’s iPhone 3GS, the image Apple submitted as evidence shows a device that is exactly the same height as the iPhone that appears next to it.

This past Monday, we reported that Apple may have altered the dimensions of an image of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in an effort to make it look more like the iPad when submitted as evidence to a German court. While that instance seemed extremely dubious — Apple’s legal team actually presented an image where the physical proportions of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 were altered to match the iPad — the Galaxy S II image seen above appears to just be reduced in size. The accusations are serious nonetheless, and Samsung’s legal team is undoubtedly examining the images in order to determine whether or not to take action.

COURT ORDERS SAMSUNG TO GIVE APPLE ACCESS TO UNRELEASED PRODUCTS

Samsung has been ordered by a federal judge to grant Apple access to a number of unreleased tablets and smartphones as part of an ongoing patent dispute. Apple filed a lawsuit against Samsung last month, accusing the Korean consumer electronics giant of infringing on a variety of Apple patents and trademarks. “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products,” Apple said in a court filing.

Last week, a judge gave Samsung 30 days to deliver five of its forthcoming devices, the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Infuse 4G, and DROID Charge, to Apple so the Cupertino-based company can determine whether or not it wishes to request an early injunction. “Apple has demonstrated good cause for some, limited expedited discovery,” said San Jose federal judge Lucy Koh. “While Apple has not yet filed a motion for preliminary injunction, courts have found that expedited discovery may be justified to allow a plaintiff to determine whether to seek an early injunction.”

Samsung argued that the devices have not yet been released so granting Apple access to them would be inappropriate, but Koh dismissed the arguments, citing the fact that Samsung is already advertising the devices and giving samples to members of the press.

SAMSUNG DEFENDS TABLET SALES

Samsung on Wednesday issued a statement in response to a new round of rumors suggesting poor sell-through performance of its tablet devices, which has affected their stock price. Samsung has reported several milestones for its Galaxy Tab Android tablet, which has now sold over 3 million units.

Like other manufacturers, Samsung reports sell-in figures — sales into distribution — when detailing sales. On numerous occasions, Samsung’s 7-inch tablet has been accused of collecting dust on store shelves, as recurring rumors suggest the Galaxy Tab has very poor sell-through — sales to end users – performance.

In response to this latest round of accusations, Samsung spokesman James Chung issued a statement. ”We don’t comment on market speculation but such talk is absolutely groundless,” said Chung. ”Our tablet strategy is offering a broad product range with different sizes to support wider customer choice.” Samsung showed off two new Android tablets at CTIA Wireless on Tuesday: the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

RUMOR: SAMSUNG GALAXY WIFI ONLY TAB LAUNCHING APRIL 4TH FOR $399

Information acquired by blog Droid-Life suggests that Samsung’s 7-inch, Wi-Fi only, Galaxy Tab may retail for $399 and become available on April 4th. The svelte price point, and imminent release date, come courtesy of a flier that was purportedly being handed out by a Samsung representative at a recent technology trade show.

The 7-inch Galaxy Tab is getting a little long in the tooth, but the $399 price tag is quite attractive. Samsung is expected to debut an 8.9-inch, Galaxy-branded tablet later this month at CTIA in Orlando, and we presume concrete information about the Wi-Fi only device will be provided then.

SAMSUNG SELLS 600,000 GALAXY TABLETS IN ONE MONTH

According to a report from Korean newspaper The Korean Herald, Samsung has confirmed global sales numbers for its virgin tablet offering. In its first month of availability, the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab has sold 600,000 units — likely making it the most popular Android tablet in the world. Samsung is reportedly pleased with the Galaxy Tab’s performance in its premier month, saying demand outpaced supply in most markets. In Samsung’s home market in Korea, the company sold 30,000 Galaxy Tabs in the tablet’s first week of availability. Interestingly, Apple’s iPad is set to launch on November 30th and according to The Korean Herald, the company has already taken 40,000 pre-orders in less than a week. [BGR]

SAMSUNG GALAXY PLAYER REVEILED - VIDEO

Samsung is going after Apple in a big way.  First it was a direct assault on Apple's iPad with the Galaxy tablet and now Samsung is aiming directly at the iPod Touch with the Galaxy Player.  The Galaxy Player boasts a 3.2 inch screen, 8 or 16GB internal memory with a Micro SD slot, FM radio, 2MP camera, GPS, DivX support and access to the Android Market.  The nearly three minute video below shows of the capabilities of this new device.  No word on pricing or launch date for the US, but it is currently selling in Europe for 200 euros. [Gizmodo]

NEWSPAPERS LOOKING TO GALAXY TABLET AND PLAYBOOK

When the iPad was announced one of it's biggest fans were the magazine and newspaper publishers.  They were looking to this new device to help save their dwindling subscriptions.  Now, they are looking at both the Samsung Galaxy tablet and RIM's Blackberry Playbook.  The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today are rumored to all be working on Galaxy apps while The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times are investigating the Playbook.

The New York Times on the Galaxy tablet is suppose to come pre-loaded on some carriers versions and be free until January of next year when The Times starts charging for its website [Engadget]

LEAKED: SPRINT LAUNCHING SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET NOVEMBER 14TH

A source at Sprint has leaked a memo showing the Samsung Galaxy tablet will launch on November 14th, just in time for the holiday shopping season.  The 7-inch tablet will sell for $399 with a two year agreement or $599 off contract.  No further details were released. [BGR]

SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET PROMO AVAILABLE

The much talked about and hyped 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tablet has a promo now available on YouTube.  The new tablet computer will hit shelves sometime this fall.  Check out the video below. [Boy Genius Report]

SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET ON MULTIPLE CARRIERS

With all the hype and Verizon Wireless's own statements, one would assume the Samsung Galaxy Tablet was headed to just one carrier.  The Wall Street Journal is now reporting, sourcing "three people familiar with the matter" that the tablet will be available on the Verizon, AT&T and Sprint networks.

Samsung has vast experience in making their mobile devices using CDMA, GSM and even WiMax technology, so it is no surprise they are casting the Galaxy tablet net far and wide.  Pricing for each carrier is still undetermined, but it would appear that potential users would need another contract for their carrier of choice. [Engadget]

TABLET ROUND UP: 5 OF THE BEST REVEALED SO FAR

There have been numerous tablets revealed, leaked and rumored lately.  Gizmodo has a round up of 5 of the best revealed so far, well....really 4 tablets and the iPad.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet: A 7-inch Super TFT-LCD screen running at 1024 x 600 with 16GB internal storage (expandable up to 32GB micro SD), a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor running Android 2.2.  The hardware internals are the same as the Galaxy S smartphone.  It also has a 1.3MP front-facing camera for video calling/conferencing.  It will have access to the Android Market making it a front-runner in the Android side of tablets.

Viewsonic Viewpad 100: 10-inch LED backlit LCD screen running at 1024 x 600 with a 16GB SSD (expandable up to 32GB Micro SD), an Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz processor, dual booting Windows 7 and Android 1.6.  The dual-booting of Windows 7 and Android make this tablet unique, unfortunately the Android is the outdated version of 1.6.  The weird combination on this tablet makes it too powerful for Android 1.6 and too weak to operate Windows 7 easily.

Toshiba Folio 100: This tablet has a 10-inch screen running at 1024 x 600 with 16GB flash, an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor running Android 2.2.  This device should run very quickly based on the pairing of the Nvidia Tegra processor and an optimized Android 2.2 OS.  It will fully support Flash out of the box as well.  There is a 1.3MP front facing camera for video/conference calling along with a mini HD port for proper HD media connectivity with your big screen TV.  There are plenty of additional connectivity options as well from 802.11n WiFi and SD/MMC card support.  There will be a 3G version launching later.

Archos 7o Internet Tablet: a 7-inch TFT LCD running at 800 x 480, 8GB flash drive up to 250GB HD, Arm Cortex A8 processor, running Android 2.2.  Archos has a whole slew of tablets on the way with the 7o at the top of the heap.   The media based side of Archos shows through with the massive hard drive (the device can house anything up to a 250GB HD) for your MP3 collection.  With the Cortex A8, Android 2.2 should be blistering fast and having it all on a 7-inch screen should make it winner.  Connectivity wise, the Archos 7o has HDMI and USB ports being able to play 720p HD MP4s at 30fps.

Apple iPad: A 9.7-inch LED backlit screen, 16, 32 or 64GB flash,  1GHz Apple A4 processor running iOS.  The current tablet king thanks to the interfaces usability and functionality.  Within Apple's closed world the iPad is polished and beautiful in both form and function, however if you plan on anything outside of Apple's domain things will change.  The hardware is fast and responsive, however there is no USB connector, front facing camera or Flash support (perhaps the biggest drawback).

SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET PRICING

Now that the Samsung Galaxy tablet has been finally officially unveiled, we are learning of it's price range for US.  We know Europe will be paying a pretty penny, or euro, of 699 euro for the 16GB and 799 euro for the 32GB.

According to the Wall Street Journal, paraphrasing a Samsung executive, it could run $200 and $300 depending on carrier subsidies.  The Korean Times meanwhile is reporting a retail price of $300 and $400.  They added the tablet "will cost slightly more than the Galaxy S smartphone", which is retailing for about $200 in the US. [Engadget]

SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET SPECS

The Samsung Galaxy tablet has been officially announced.  Of course this device has been one the worst kept secrets of the tech world since...well, ever.

The new tablet will run Android 2.2 (Froyo).  It will have a 7 inch TFT-LCD WVGA screen running at 1024 x 600.  The Galaxy will be powered by a Cortex A8, 1.0GHz processor and a PowerVR SGX GPU and 512MB RAM.

It will have a back facing 3MP camera with auto-focus and a LED flash.  The front facing camera, for video conferencing, is 1.3MP.

There will be two storage capacities offered, 16GB and 32GB, with both having the capability of upgrading another 32GB via a card slot.

There are several connection options including WiFi 802.11n, Bluetooth 3.0 and 3G if want to use the Galaxy with one of the potential carriers.

Software-wise, the Galaxy has a Reader's Hub, Media Hub, Music Hub and Social Hub acting as dedicated areas for particular uses (fancy folders really).  It will not only have access to the Android Market, but the Samsung Apps store as well.  The built in gyroscope, geo-magnetic sensor, accelerometer and light sensor could make for some interesting applications.

As mentioned, the Galaxy tablet will be running Android 2.2, however it won't be stock.  Samsung has slathered on their TouchWiz UI, which is disappointing.

LEAKED: SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET AGAIN

The Samsung Galaxy tablet has popped up again over at Engadget, along with a few more pics.  According to the source the Galaxy came with CDMA label on the side.  The source also praised the device for strong speakers, call quality and ability to run Flash.  The Galaxy is allegedly running Android 2.2.

LEAKED: SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET

There is a very blurry leaked video of the Samsung Galaxy tablet in operation over on Youtube.  This is going to be competing against a slew of other tablets coming out Q4 and the iPad.