India is about to join the world on that super-cool Android tablets trend, with local company, Olive Telecom announcing its first 3.5G Android 2.1 tablet, also known as the Olive Pad VT100, and claimed to go live in India somewhere next month, for prices range between Rs.20000 to Rs.25000, or about $425 to $530 in US Dollars. And while we can’t be certain about a US release, Indian geeks will most likely enjoy holding it with both hands and surf the net on that nice looking 7-inch (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen. Other than that, this neat and not-too-shabby gadget is said to include 512MB of internal memory, paired with a 3MP rear camera, an SD card slot, mini USB hub, a 3,240mAh battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, an integrated compass and last but not least, a G-sensor support. So yes, it’s a fascinating slate-smartphone hybrid device. From one side, not too small to hold it close to your ear and talk, but from the other, big enough to consume internet content and multimedia videos on the go. PR after the break.
Update: It looks like Indian television show TechGuru has managed to get one of Olive Telecom’s $500 7-inch capacitive touchscreen device and put together a decent comparison with Apple’s 9.7-inch magical iPad wonder. With a 600MHz ARM processor, tucked with 512MB of internal memory, a 3mp built-in camera, microSD slot, Google Android for the OS and optional 3G WWAN connection placed in the back of the box, the Indian slate scores 4 points while Steve Jobs’ slick baby boy gets 6 out of the entire toll. Checkout the translated video after the break (courtesy of Savvy Singh).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwjFwxOzL8[/youtube]
OLIVE TELECOM LAUNCHES INDIA’S FIRST 3G TABLET
OLIVEPAD-VT100
~ Launches industry’s first next-generation Tablet powered by Android ~
OLIVEPAD – VT100New Delhi, July 22, 2010: Riding high on innovation, Olive Telecom, India’s leading Convergence Solutions Device Developer, today announced the launch of OlivePad – VT100, India’s first 3.5G Pad. The device was unveiled by Mr. Arun Khanna, Chairman, Olive Telecom Mr. David Hind, CEO, Olive Telecom, Americas and Mr. Artem Orange, CEO, Olive CIS/CEE.
After the successful launch of many Industry firsts including the OliveFrvrOn (India’s 1st Hybrid Phone), OliveZipbook (India’s 1st 3G embedded Netbook), OliveWiz (India’s 1st Triple SIM Qwerty device), OliveGenie (India’s 1st 3G Music Modem) & OLiveNexus (India’s 1st Pocket Router) Olive brings India to the forefront of convergence technology with the OlivePad.
Designed as a multi functional device, Olive Pad operates on an Android Operating System and supports 3.5G HSUPA, Wi-fi, and Bluetooth. With an inbuilt three mega pixel camera and a front camera, the Olive Pad can be used as a touch notebook allowing browsing, Multimedia, Instant Messaging and easy access to the world of social networking, GPS for maps and turn by turn directions, gaming console, an e- book reader, Television and it is also a Smart Phone allowing voice and Video Calling.
Speaking at the launch of India’s First Pad, Mr. Arun Khanna, Chairman, Olive Telecom said, “At Olive, it has been our constant endeavor to create products driven by technology at the forefront. With this launch, we are bringing consumers to experience cutting edge technology that the world has been talking of. It is the true convergence device that brings together the Computer, Mobile Phone and Entertainment on one platform. The Olive Pad is aimed at today’s technology savvy generation who want easy on the move connectivity.”
Unveiling the new product, Mr. David Hind, CEO, Olive Telecom, Americas said, “We are excited to launch the much awaited OlivePad in India. This latest creation from Olive willOLIVE PAD – VT100bring revolution in the field of technology with its magical features & stylish looks. Our global consumers are going to love this device because of the experience that it provides.”
Mr. Artem Orange, CEO for Olive Telecom, CIS/CEE said ” With Olive Pad we launch a new generation of mobile devices which become your true window to the world in your pocket. With the same concept, we will evolve into more and more convergence devices giving the same reach and affordable experience to customers in India and across the world. We have received tremendous response from operators and consumers in highly sophisticated markets of Central, Eastern Europe and Russia and expect to launch Olive Pad in that market in the near future.”
OlivePad is equipped with distinctive features which include flash support, mini USB port, Camera and a Smartphone.
The OlivePad will be available countrywide at all Croma stores from August.
The new Olive Convergence portfolio is complete with WCDMA, CDMA, GSM and EV-DO handsets and smart-phones, Mobile Computing Devices and Advanced data modems for wireless broadband.