Phone maker Motorola could release a Google Android-powered tablet before the end of the year, according to Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha, though very few details regarding the to-be-developed tablet were made available.
If released in 2010, the Motorola Android tablet will have a screen varying between 7- and 10-inches and will be designed as a "companion product" for HDTVs.
"We're very focused on participating in this convergence between mobility and home, and I actually think you will see some products from us in a very short period of time," Jha said during the investor conference.
Motorola previously said it didn't plan to release its own custom OS for tablets, and will instead work on its custom Motoblur Android user interface that offers direct access to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and other popular online portals.
The Apple iPad tablet helped thrust tablet into the spotlight, even though many consumers still are unsure if they want one of the sleek devices. Apple, Dell, and other PC manufacturers are expected to see strong growth in the tablet market, but Motorola may be better suited to focus on software and services instead of hardware.
Last July, we published an article reporting that Motorola will rely on the Android OS to remain relevant in an evolving mobile phone industry. A few months later, Jha noted Motorola planned to launch the majority of its phones in 2010 using Android -- and the company has followed through on that promise. The Motorola Droid smartphone on Verizon Wireless has been a smashing success for the company.
Using the Motorola Droid as an example, I think Motorola should focus more on apps and other software, along with increasing the functionality of mobile phones and upcoming gadgets. I also like the idea of better marketing the benefits of Motoblur before the upcoming Motoblur 2.0 launch expected later in 2010.
