Blackberry Google Tablets To Take On Apple iPad!

Tablet computer wars are fizzing up! News that both Blackberry and Google are set to launch their own tablet devices in 2010 in response to Apple’s iPad, signals that the large form format could be taking over and we should all be looking to optimising website accessibility.

The Wall Street Journal recently confirmed that Google plans to bring a tablet computer to market with Verizon Wireless, although details of name, manufacturer, launch date and operating system, whether Android or Chrome OSS, for example, are not yet known.

At the same time, Research In Motion, the Canadian developer of the BlackBerry smartphone has also announced it is also set to enter the tablet computing market with plans to unveil a 8.9 inch BlackBerry device later this year.

We have all seen the relentless rise of the mobile internet and the explosion of mobile applications, so does the launch of the tablets mean that predictions of the imminent demise of the deskbound PC and laptop as the principal platform for internet access are about to happen?

Certainly businesses will most likely find the portable A4 format represents a better online marketing opportunity over the restrictive mobile screen size. Expect website design and marketing agencies to be gearing up for a possible high demand by companies keen for online brand design adapted to tablet format alongside mobile and inevitably, link building across another channel platform.

But will consumers replace the mobile with a tablet as their constant companion? Unlikely, of course, but they might just take the tablet as well, on their daily commute to work rather than a laptop or netbook!

Might it simply be the case that these latest moves just reflect the competition increasingly taking place in the mobile space between battling corporate giants, Apple and Google. Although Apple has taken an early lead with its iPad selling more than one million units in its first month, and the iPad 3G having just hit stores with AT&T as the exclusive wireless carrier, recent reports suggest that Android is gaining significant ground on iPhone.

Advance reports indicate that there are some big differences between BlackBerry’s tablet, the iPad and the now-confirmed Google tablet — most notably a lack of ‘cellular’ networking. Instead, the device will utilise the user’s existing BlackBerry’s connection, communicating with the device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Features will include ability to access e-books, emailing, web browsing, and photo viewing.

In addition, following HP’s acquisition of Palm, and the possible launch of their own web OS-powered tablets, expect to see the second half of this year shaping up to be an action-packed thriller in ‘tablet space’ as Google’s plans unfold! Will Apple cut prices on the iPad in an effort to stay ahead of the competition?

Either way, access to your website is now likely to be both balanced on an user’s knee as well as sitting in the palm of their hand, so you’d better ensure your message is easily seen!