A tablet from Motorola and Verizon: Good for TV, but how about books?
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The Financial Times reported Tuesday that a tablet device is on the way from Motorola and Verizon. Although not confirmed by either company, the report has some very specific details -- or predictions -- about the iPad-like device.
According to the report, the tablet will have a 10-inch screen, operate on Google’s Android software, and be closely tied to Verizon’s FiOS digital pay-television service. The Financial Times points out that the TV connection may be its most important feature: ‘The Motorola tablet’s integration with TV is a key competitive advantage against rival developers.’
Other details: It is expected to have front and back cameras, use wireless and be able to run Flash, which the iPad does not.
What about books?
Sadly, there is not any mention of books in the report, leaving only questions.
Will Motorola and Verizon introduce their own e-reader app, like iBooks? Would they have to negotiate their own deals with publishers, as Apple did? Could the new device choose to simply run the Kindle app, allowing all its e-book reading and sales to go through Amazon? What other choices do they have?
Or will they focus on TV and leave books to the other guys?
-- Carolyn Kellogg
Image, left: Motorola logo. Credit: AFP/Getty Images
