The first hands-on impressions of Vizio's virgin voyage into the burgeoning tablet business offered a warts and all glimpse at its upcoming device and a summer release date. The company hit that mark this week with a small caveat. Will consumers flock to its comparatively low-priced Android tablet, or choose Apple's hugely successful iPad instead?
The LA Times reported on Tuesday that some stores are already selling Vizio's 8-inch, Wi-fi tablet for $299, but the device's proper release is this weekend. The consumer electronics company is also selling the tablet - albeit at the slightly higher price of $329.
The iPad competitor boasts some key features, including an exclusive universal remote app that allows the tablet to interact with many IR-controlled products. Even if you don't own a Vizio brand HDTV, you're in luck. It's Android-based, so full access to the Android Market is a given. An HD multi-touch display (1024x768), front-facing camera, 2 GBs of built-in storage and an HDMI port - which allows the device to connect to TVs - round out the tablet.
One drum the California-based company has beat in recent months is its Internet Apps (VIA) Plus project, which Vizio says will unify its increasingly diverse range of products. The new tablet is the first device to feature the new "ecosystem."
"Understanding that today's user touches multiple devices in the course of their daily routines, we feel it's important that the next generation of CE devices office a seamless user experience across all screens, from the living room to their handhelds," said Matthew McRae, Vizio Chief Technology Officer.
Slashgear reviewed the Vizio tablet this week. The site complained about its seemingly slow touchscreen response time and a weak interface, though added that a "first-time tablet buyer on a budget" could look past such gripes considering its price.
Will you be picking up a Vizio Tablet? Or are you waiting on a price drop for a different brand? Let us know in the comment section.
