Well, the Apple’s iPad has for sure taken the Tablet PC segment by storm, but it seems there are many more storms looming in the horizon. Ever since the iPad was announced, there has been a sudden spurt in the development of new Tablet PCs and it has almost become routine for companies to announce a new contender in this segment.

Not to be left behind, online search giant Google too is keen to join the race and is believed to be in the process of developing a Tablet PC of its own. That it means business is borne out of the fact that it has even gone on to purchase a Toronto-based start up company, ‘Bump Top’ that has expertise in the field of 3-D multitouch technology in a deal that is reported to have cost the search giant about $40 million.

Using Bump Top’s technology can bring on a touch of innovation to Google’s upcoming tablet pc that’s hitherto unknown. For instance, it will endow the user to make some smart maneuvering with files and programs, like toss them, or stack them as the need may be. Or may be even hang them as well. In fact, such a feature will mark a radical departure from the usual 2 dimensional app or icon approach that we have become used to. No only has the technology got the potential to transform the way we interact with a device, it also presents an excellent alternative to Apple’s design as well. If Google is indeed successful in incorporating the 3-D multitouch technology on to their device, it will surely be a path breaking device with no resemblance with any other product available in the market.

There have been intermittent online reports about Google having intentions of entering the Tablet PC segment with a suitable device. So we know it’s going to have the Android as the operating system and will come as a replacement for a computer; at least that’s how Google perceives of their upcoming tablet. And not to mention, it’s also going to don the mantle of an ‘iPad killer’. Those close to the project have also mentioned that Google has been in discussion with publishers with the intention of making books, magazines or other reading material available on the tablet. So this perhaps is an indication of the tablet to also take up the role of an e-reader.

Competition Check:

Every other tech company, big or small is vying for a share of the lucrative Tablet PC market fueling a craze to launch Tablet devices. And among the dozens out there, those who stand a chance of making it really big include the Slate PC from HP that is likely to be launched this fall. However, recent developments like HP abandoning Windows 7 as the preferred OS for its Slate in favor of the Palm Web OS from the Palm company that it has recently purchased means there’s still going to be some time before we can come across the Slate at stores near us.

Amazon too has acquired a touch screen company that has started the rumor balls rolling that the next offering from Amazon might be a ‘Super Kindle’ sort of thing that will take the battle all the way to Apple camp.

Then there is the WePad from German company Neofonie that has already gone on sale in Europe and from initial reports coming in, it’s doing brisk business in Europe.

However, Microsoft’s decision to cancel its Courier project has been a huge disappointment for many as it was touted to be the ultimate Tablet PC ever to be made. In fact, so promising the device had turned out to be that many had put off their plans to buy the iPad to wait for the Courier. Some believe the Courier might still make it to the market, albeit in a lesser role.

Its Raining Tablets OK but How Are We to Gain:

With so many Tablet PCs that is making the segment increasingly crowded, there is a good side to this as well. For not only will the consumer have a wide range of choice to choose from, it can also lead to a better revenue sharing deal between Tablet makers and publishers. Also, with competition among tablet manufacturers getting intense, it might also bode well for the content itself as well as for advertising. So it’s a win-win situation out there for all.

Author Bio: Markus Reily writes for the E-reader forum and the good eBooks website about the latest E-reader News and is interested in technology.

Category: Computers and Technology
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