Google plans low-priced tablet
30 Mar 2012
Unfazed by a failed bid to market and sell smartphones on its own, search engine giant Google Inc is now trying the approach with tablet computers in an attempt to take away market share from from Apple Inc's iPad.
The internet search company would sell co-branded tablets directly to consumers through an online store much like rivals Apple and Amzon.com, The Wall Street Journal reported quoting unnamed sources.
Analysts say the move is aimed at revving up sluggish sales of tablet computers powered by Google's Android software.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, an Android-powered tablet will be on sale later this year.
Google had earlier tried the approach with Android-powered smartphones in 2010 with a device called the Nexus One made by HTC Corp. However, the effort came a cropper and had to scrapped several months later.
Like the Nexus One, a number of Android tablets would be co-branded with Google's name, the report said. The devices are expected to be sourced through a variety of manufacturers.