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7 Inch Huawei MediaPad Unveiled, Said to Run Android “3.2”

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We knew the MediaPad was coming, but we never got a good look at it running Honeycomb before today. It’s a device from Huawei and is the first 7 inch tablet to run Android 3.0+. Acer was supposed to take that crown, but they have reportedly had problems adapting Honeycomb to the 7 inch tablet, causing apparent delays. Huawei claims the tablet runs Android 3.2, a version of the software we have never even heard of before. It’s said that Android 3.2 is the same as Android 3.1, except it’s tailored for 7 inch devices.

The hardware offers an aluminum unibody chassis and it doesn’t look bad at all. It’s 10.5mm thin and 390 grams light – a bit chunkier than the Tab 8.9, but not by much. It’s said to provide 6 hours of battery life, which is a few hours below what is considered to be standard by now. Inside you have a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a change of pace from every Honeycomb device to date. There are also front and rear cameras and an HDMI-out port.

It’s also got HSPA+ data connectivity in some models, but we’re not yet sure which regions will be able to take advantage of that. In fact, we’re not sure which regions will be getting this thing just yet. Sit tight, though. Full press details are straight ahead and an unveiling video is above.

Huawei Unveils MediaPad –
World’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb Dual-Core Tablet

MediaPad set to transform consumers’ entertainment experience

Singapore, 20 June 2011: Huawei, a leading telecom solutions provider, today launched the Huawei MediaPad, the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. The MediaPad is a complete entertainment powerhouse driven by Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz processor and supported by Huawei Device’s Hispace cloud solution. The MediaPad provides the fabulous user experience in a stylish, high-performing and ultra-portable package.

The MediaPad is Huawei Device’s smartest, slimmest and lightest tablet yet, measuring just 10.5mm (0.4 inches) deep and weighing around 390g (0.86 pounds). It supports 1080P full HD video playback and features a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera and 5 megapixel auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities. With HSPA+ 14.4Mbps and high-speed WiFi 11n Internet connectivity, the MediaPad doesn’t just entertain – it keeps you connected.

“With the Huawei MediaPad, we are demonstrating yet again that design, functionality and performance is within anyone’s reach,” said Victor Xu, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Device. “The MediaPad opens up new worlds of entertainment for consumers by removing the barriers to tablet ownership, increasing access to a truly high-quality mobile entertainment experience fully integrated with cloud-based internet content.”

An Out-of-this-World Entertainment Experience
The MediaPad supports HSPA+ data services, Flash 10.3 videos and comes preinstalled with applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Let’s Golf and Documents to Go. With the 7-inch IPS touch screen, the MediaPad offers a standout visual experience for photos, movies and applications. Entertainment and gaming experience are taken to the next level with the MediaPad’s 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor, high definition playback and HDMI port.

Expansion of Huawei Device’s Smart Offerings
The MediaPad builds on the global success of the IDEOS S7 Slim tablet and cements Huawei Device’s ability to cater to the explosive demand for tablets. According to the International Data Corporation, sales in the tablet market are expected to increase more than fourfold in the next two years. The MediaPad will be showcased at Huawei’s “Smart for Transformation” booth at CommunicAsia 2011 in Singapore. Along with Huawei’s latest range of smart devices, the MediaPad is a prime example of Huawei Device’s focus on the power of practical innovation.

About Huawei
Huawei Device is a global leader in providing smart devices that connect you with the world, simply. Huawei Device partners with 500 operators, including the world’s top 50 operators, across 140 countries. Huawei’s products and solutions have been deployed in over 100 countries and support the communications needs of one third of the world’s population. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.

For more information, visit Huawei Device online: www.huaweidevice.com

For regular updates on Huawei Device, follow us on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huaweidevice
Twitter: www.twitter.com/huaweipress
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiPress

Technical Specs
• Android Honeycomb 3.2 OS
• 7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
• 10.5mm (0.4 inches) slim, ~390g weight (0.86 pounds)
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 5 MP auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities
• HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps, WiFi 11n
• Dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor
• Over 6 hours battery life
• 1080P full HD playback and HDMI port
• Flash 10.3

Pre-installed Apps
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Let’s Golf
• Document to go

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

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11 Comments

  1. not a tegra 2.  “Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz processor”

  2. And it will all come down to price whether this will sell or not.

    If Huawei can get these out cheap without compromising too much they could sell by the bucket load…

  3. It’s pretty nice looking actually. Shame it has such a mediocre battery.

  4. Sounds interesting.
    We have several 7″ tabs coming out soon. Samsungs revamped 7″, there is the cheap Andypad, the Kogan Agora, view sonic to mention a few. The size of these is good if the processor is powerful enough and teh screen resolution is good. I’d like to see some better spec details though – why the teasing drip feed?

  5. all i want is to play high profile mkv :) if not, the wait continues for an exynos based tablet

  6. I’m hoping there is a typo or some misinformation at some level… a new honeycomb build just because the screen size changed? Red flag!

  7. No way Android 3.2 launches on a minor player, and not this soon after 3.1.  It’s clearly a typo…they mean 2.3

    1. Is this a genuine post? Did you watch the video?

      The tablet is definitely running Android 3.x.

    2. Specifications aside, one of the most important things said about this tablet is that it will run the previously unannounced
      Android 3.2 Honeycomb. However, we were disappointed to find that all the units on display came with Android 3.1. Huawei assured us the actual units shipped in Q3 will come with 3.2.

      According to Huawei, Android 3.1 was designed for 10.1-inch devices,
      while 3.2 is specially catered toward 7-inch devices. While the company
      was not very specific about what we can see in the newer Honeycomb
      version, a spokesperson said that graphics will be optimized for the
      smaller screen. We will probably have to wait for Google to explain more
      about Android 3.2.
      Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20072646-1/hands-on-with-the-huawei-mediapad/#ixzz1PqUWLybH

  8. If it’s < $300, it could grab some share.  Most tablets are still so overpriced…

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