According to an Re/Code, HP will indeed be re-entering the smartphone market with a couple of phablets. The information comes via an interview Re/Code held with HP’s Ron Coughlin, VP for the consumer PC business. According to Coughlin, HP will launch both a 6 inch and 7 inch voice enabled phablet/tablet. These devices will aptly be named the Slate 6 and Slate 7.
The devices are slated to hit India first as HP sees an increasing demand for smart devices in that region.
“We see a need in India that we can meet…Consumers are looking for a way to consolidate devices. We think there’s an opportunity to enter a growing market where there’s an unmet need.” – Coughlin
In terms of the specs, Coughlin did give up some information. Both will utilize IPS displays with the 6″ having a resolution of 1280×720 while the 7″ will run a 1280×800 display. Both will have 16GB of internal storage, micro-SD Card slots, front facing speakers, 2MP front facing cameras, and 5MP rear cameras with flash. The devices will sport some sort of Quad-Core processor but Coughlin would not divulge which chip maker they would be using. Android 4.2 will be running the show with some update hopefully in the works.
When it comes to pricing and availability, Coughlin gave up a lot less information. Previous rumours have these pegged around $200 but we’ll have to wait and see there. Availability, as previously mentioned will start in India with possible expansion later on. Coughlin says that they showed off the device behind closed doors at CES and said that the devices “generated a very positive response,” so a more global launch doesn’t seem to be completely out of the picture.
What do you guys think of HP’s new device?
[Re/Code]