HP to launch voice tablets exclusively in India in February

Hewlett-Packard (HP) is looking to cash in from the fast-growing cell phone market in India, announcing a new line of innovative "voice tablets" with 6-inch and 7-inch screens for the market.

The HP Slate6 and HP Slate7, prices of which haven't been revealed yet, would be exclusively launched in India next month.

Built on Android operating system and featuring the powerful Quad Core processor, the are engineered for the way people multitask, while offering access to entertainment.



Both devices come equipped with a 3G(3) Dual SIM Dual Standby(2) feature, providing voice connectivity and performance that allows people to work and play on the go, the company said. It will also have front and rear cameras.

"Consumers are looking to consolidate their phones and tablets, which is propelling the voice tablet market," said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president, Consumer Personal Systems Group, HP. "This is an exciting new category that represents a meaningful growth opportunity for HP. Our HP Slate VoiceTab provides consumers with a high-quality product at a great value," he said on Wednesday.

According to The Washington Post, big-screen devices with calling capability have been particularly popular in Asia and Europe, where they appealed to early waves of consumers who were interested in tablets, but not in carting around two devices - particularly on the long train commutes that are more common in those regions than in the United States.

"But 'phablets', as these phone-tablet hybrids are so often called, are steadily gaining ground here, as well, as people use their phones more for watching video and surfing the Web than making calls," the daily said.

(Press Trust of India)