At Mobile World Congress, Samsung has announced the launch of the Galaxy Note 8 tablet.
Billed as a new addition to the mid-size tablet category at 8 inches with 1280×800 resolution, the Galaxy Note 8 includes Samsung’s S Pen with handwriting to text conversion.
The tablet features upgraded Chat-On for instant messaging and group chat in multiple formats and unlimited note taking with Awesome Note. Interestingly, Flipboard has customised its app for the manufacturer that allows previewing of headers using the S Pen. The tablet also includes Smart Remote for controlling TV and video viewing with the device.
It will also feature the Dual View feature, allowing split screen working as well as split screen video chat.
Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland IM division vice president Simon Stanford said the company expected tablet growth to accelerate at the same fast pace it saw last year.
“The Galaxy Note was a completely new category of device when we launched the first one back in 2011, and it’s been extremely satisfying to watch it sell so well and grow in stature as our customers’ understanding of the category has grown.”
The run down
The tablet runs Jellybean (Android 4.1.2) on a 1.6GHz A9 quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16 or 32GB of storage with expandable microSD options up to 64GB.
It measures 210.8x 135.9mm and weighs 338g, with a 4600mAh battery.
The display is 8 inches with 1280×800 resolution with a 5MP rear camera and 1.3MP front facing camera, at HD 1080p video at 30fps.
Galaxy S4 confirmed?
Meanwhile, CNET is reporting it has confirmed with a “high level executive” that a ‘Samsung Unpacked’ event in New York in March will be the debut of the Galaxy S4.
The much-anticipated successor to the popular Galaxy S3, the S4 will reportedly launch on March 14 and is rumoured to have all kinds of specs, including the recently announced Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor and the latest version of Jellybean.
The S3 won What Mobile’s Readers Choice award, so whether the S4 can live up to its predecessor’s reputation remains to be seen, on March 14, apparently.