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Google, Verizon teaming for iPad competitor

By: , IntoMobile
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 3:05 PM

Remember all those rumors we’ve heard about a Google tablet? Well, it looks like it’s real and the search giant is teaming with Verizon Wireless to bring out an iPad competitor, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

In an interview, Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Lowell McAdam said this type of form factor would be the next big thing in the mobile computing space and that the two companies are working on a device.

“We’re looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience,” McAdam told.

What can we expect from a Google/Verizon tablet? The report is super skimpy on details but we can take the iPad form factor as a starting point and then throw on Android on it. Sure, we could see it rocking Chrome OS but I have a sneaking suspicion that Google has a lot more skin in the game with Android. Plus, Verizon and Google have already announced an agreement that centered on Android devices, not Chrome OS.

We know many companies are pushing ahead with Android tablets but a successful iPad competitor will desperately need a good user interface and a strong marketing push. Google could potentially integrate some 3D desktop elements it acquired in the BumpTop deal and this makes a lot of sense to me on a larger form factor like a tablet. Verizon has already shown with the $100 million marketing campaign for the Droid that it’s not shy about spending for ads. It will be interesting to see how Verizon prices its mobile data for this Google tablet because AT&T has a fairly-reasonable rate for the iPad: no-contract plans that cost $15 a month for 250 MB or $30 for truly unlimited data.

It will be interesting to see how the tablet space emerges, as the iPad is already a success and we may soon see a webOS-powered slate from Hewlett-Packard. This Google-Verizon tablet just throws another contender in the mix.

[Via The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)]

About The Author

Marin Perez

Marin Perez has torture tested cell phones and smartphones for industry leaders like CNET and InformationWeek. He remembers when 4G was just a screen on PowerPoint presentations and is fascinated with the amount of innovation out there. Marin has spent a lot of time with BlackBerry and Android but he finally broke down a bought an iPhone to see what all the hype's about. He also has too many tablets.

  • kdarling

    If Apple really is locked to ATT for five years, they've made a mistake by giving competition such as Android so much time to dig in and get sales… especially on Verizon.

    Looking forward to an Android slate with LTE.

  • Terry Meehan

    The IPAD is appealing… BUT… I agree with the commentators, it is underwhelming!!!
    It is weighty, what's so good about the apps, eg how often do we all really use maps – I use them in the car most of the time – the TOMTOM or Garmin, don't you?
    Regards from Terry in Melbournee, State of Victoria, Australia

  • Terry Meehan

    The IPAD does not have a phone !!! goodness gracious me, why the hell not ? I dont want to carry around more than one device- astounding, Steve Jobs is astute, but is he exceedingly greedy or is there a techo reason for no phone in it?
    And whay no usb port? And why no slot for the SD card from my camera or video camera to IPAD. Also can I upoad to Youtube – assume so but can I ?
    I am afraid Steve Jobs greed exceeds what once was highly deveoped and sophisticated utilitarianism.
    Like a lot of Australians, I like gadgets and I am tempted to get an IPAD, but I am a utilitarian and I'll be patient and look elsewhere – Google Android Tablet or maybe Ver 2 of IPAD.
    But the gloss is coming off Apple a little and will continue to do unless Apple replaces its 'greed strategy' with a mission statement of utilitarianism and tactical strategies of slickness, beauty, and design nous – ie one stop shop gestaltian design principles
    Regards from Terry in Melbournee, State of Victoria, Australia