Datamation Logo

Austek Plans Tablet PC, App Store

June 2, 2010
Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.


TAIPEI (Reuters) – Netbook PC pioneer Asustek Computer Inc has become the latest technology company to jump on the tablet PC bandwagon on Monday, joining cross-town rival Acer Inc in jostling with Apple Inc in the nascent sector.

The tablet PC, to be called the Eee Pad, will run on Intel Corp or ARM Holdings chips, and use Microsoft Corp’s Windows operating system, Chairman Jonney Shih said ahead of the Computex fair, the world’s second-largest PC exhibition.

“The Eee Pad can display Adobe flash for the full web experience, has a USB port and a camera,” Shih said. “We looked at how we could best address the needs of users from all walks of life, and I believe this is the product.”

Apple has not made its iPad or iPhone compatible with Adobe Systems Inc’s popular flash multimedia software, calling it unreliable, a “closed” proprietary system and ill-suited for mobile devices.

The iPad does not have a camera or USB ports.

Asustek did not release pricing details or a potential release date. It has previously showcased products at trade fairs that never made it to sale.

Asustek was also working with Intel and Microsoft to push out its own version of an app store, Shih said, joining other technology companies such as Nokia Corp in trying to beef up their software offerings to compete with Apple.

Shih did not give further details on the format or a launch date for the new app store. Apple has an online offering of more than 200,000 applications while Google Inc’s Android has about 38,000.

“It’s all about the platform if Asustek really wants to do well in this field,” said Edward Yen, an analyst at UBS. “I’m sure the hardware is fine, but the biggest question now is how it’s going to attract enough users to create the critical mass needed for an app store.”

Copyright 2010 Reuters. Click for restrictions.

  SEE ALL
ARTICLES
 

Subscribe to Data Insider

Learn the latest news and best practices about data science, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, data security, and more.

Datamation Logo

Datamation is the leading industry resource for B2B data professionals and technology buyers. Datamation's focus is on providing insight into the latest trends and innovation in AI, data security, big data, and more, along with in-depth product recommendations and comparisons. More than 1.7M users gain insight and guidance from Datamation every year.

Advertisers

Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on Datamation and our other data and technology-focused platforms.

Advertise with Us

Our Brands


Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions About Contact Advertise California - Do Not Sell My Information

Property of TechnologyAdvice.
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.