Google Honeycomb and Apple Ipad are fighting it out for tablet market control.
Google unveiled the Honeycomb, the Android OS designed specifically for tablets. Since Apple has had very few real competitors in the tablet market after they launched their iPad last year, it’s going to be interesting to see which OS ends up ahead.
Google Honeycomb will be featured on tablets such as the Motorola Xoom. The new Android 3.0 OS will feature a bigger screen capable virtual keyboard and animproved resolution of 1280×800 for a comparatively larger screen.
There will be a 5MP HD webcam on the Xoom, something the Apple iPad lacks completely, that will allow for easy communication. Widgets are prominently featured: simply select – such as gmail or Pandora – and updates will happen in real time.
Already speculated as a better multi-tasking device, the Google Android OS allows apps to run in the background and offers an easy switch between tasks with its preview tabs on the side of the screen.
It’s still too early to tell exactly how much competition this OS will give Apple. Once the OS reaches the market, there will be a better way to judge the OS more thoroughly, especially on issues such as its effect on battery life.
Apple, unsurprisingly, isn’t ready to give up the tablet pc market easily. A new iPad OS was released in beta form in January, planning to be officially released at an event this month. There are also rumors of an iPad 2 being highlighted at the same Apple event. Already ahead of the market, the iPad is becoming less of a luxury item and more of a professional tool. As updates continue to the iOS, the iPad continues to hold a strong grip on the tablet market.
Clearly the tablet pc market is continually emerging with new technologies. Either way, whether it is Google or Apple that prevails, this competition will lead to a better mobile life for consumers.
Photo Credit: Google
