Samsung to launch 4G Android-based tablet this year

PanARMENIAN.Net - This year, Samsung Electronics plans a launch of Android-based tablet running on so-called fourth-generation network technology, which promises faster data download than third-generation networks, according to The Wall Street Journal.

"The race for 4G (fourth-generation) has already started," J.K. Shin, president of Samsung's mobile communications division said.

The new tablet will be an enhanced version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab models, Mr. Shin said, without providing further details. The 10.1-inch model, to sell for between $499 and $599, will run on an upgraded version of the Android software called Honeycomb and feature a faster dual-core processor and a two-megapixel front-facing camera.

Mr. Shin also expresses confidence that Samsung, the world's second-largest cellphone maker by revenue, will continue to gain ground in smartphones. The company aims for a double-digit share in the global smartphone market this year and Mr. Shin said he expects smartphone shipments this year to meet the company's earlier guidance of 60 million units. After selling 14 million smartphones in the first quarter, the company aims for second-quarter sales to exceed 20 million.

Mr. Shin said Samsung may launch a third version of its Galaxy S smartphone in the first half of next year; it launched a second-generation version, the Galaxy S II, last month.