Late last month Samsung introduced us to the latest member of the Galaxy Tab family, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, but at the company didn't divulge a couple of key details about the slate: U.S. pricing and availability. That's changed today, as Samsung's finally revealed that the 16GB Tab 7.0 Plus will be launching at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon on November 13th for $399.99. Interested customers can pre-order the Android 3.2 slab at "select partners" starting October 23rd.
In the mood for a spec refresher? The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is packing a 7-inch 1024x600 PLS LCD display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 3-megapixel camera, 720p video capture, 2-megapixel shooter around front, 1GB RAM, 4,000mAh battery, a body that's 9.96mm thick, and Honeycomb beneath Samsung's TouchWiz UI. There's also an included Peel Smart Remote TV app, which can take advantage of the Tab 7.0 Plus's built-in infrared feature to control a user's home entertainment setup. Sounds like a pretty nice upgrade to the original 7-inch Tab, am I right? Anyone considering picking one up?
Samsung Expands U.S. Tablet Portfolio with Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus Featuring Peel Smart Remote App Delivers Powerful "Discover, Tap and Watch" Home Entertainment Experience
DALLAS and SANTA CLARA, Calif.- October 21, 2011 - Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, and Samsung Electronics America today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab(tm) 7.0 Plus featuring Peel Smart Remote TV application. Peel allows users to instantly find and watch their favorite TV shows and discover new shows based on their preferences, all with the tap of a screen.
Offering a portable, rich multimedia experience on a 7-inch display, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus packs power and productivity into a chic lightweight design, weighing just 345g and measuring 9.96mm thin. The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus runs Google AndroidTM Honeycomb platform, enabling an easy and intuitive user experience. In addition, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus delivers a smooth and intuitive user experience with powerful performance powered by a 1.2GHz dual core processor.
Featuring built-in infrared capabilities, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus can control the user's home theater/TV setup. The Peel integration on the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus goes beyond the Peel application available for download today by no longer requiring additional hardware or cables for TV control functionality. Peel allows users to control any home entertainment system regardless of manufacturer.
Peel displays personalized programming recommendations in an intuitive and content-driven graphical interface, completely eliminating the need to scroll through traditional channel-listing grids. The application's home screen displays colorful thumbnail images of "Top Picks," or favorite shows. Touch one of the thumbnails and the application displays what channel that show is on as well as a brief description of the episode that is playing. Simply tap "Watch On TV" and the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus will automatically change the channel to the selected program.
"The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus optimized with the innovative Peel application will enable users to connect seamlessly to view their favorite TV shows," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. "Our partnership with Peel further builds on Samsung's convergence strategy to create enhanced user experiences."
Peel combined with the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus can control the entire home entertainment system, including the TV, set-top box, DVD, Blu-ray player and AV audio system. Peel will provide Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus users with a social aspect as well, connecting them directly to Facebook and Twitter to share what they are watching with their social networks.
"This partnership continues Peel's vision of eliminating the barriers between you and your favorite shows," said Greg Lindley, chief experience officer for Peel. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus - with its built in IR remote functionality - is a great platform for the Peel app and creates an ideal second screen experience for any TV lover."
The 16GB Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus will be available nationwide through Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Fry's and other fine retailers starting November 13th for $399.99. Pre-orders will begin October 23rd with select partners.
Samsung's relationship with Peel is part of Samsung's overall commitment to convergence and the companies are working to integrate the Peel Smart Remote Application into future Samsung mobile devices.
1 Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q2 2011 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.
About Peel
Peel was founded around passion for making the home entertainment experience friendlier. Combining program discovery, simple and seamless universal control and shared entertainment experiences steps beyond simple remote controls and changes the TV landscape. For more information visit http://www.Peel.com<http://www.Peel.com/>.
For regular Peel updates follow us at http://www.Twitter.com/PeelTV, become a Fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PeelTV or visit http://www.Peel.com.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com<http://www.samsung.com>.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), based in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung's North American operations including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, the Samsung organization is one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #19 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand "100 Best Global Brands," and named as one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies of 2010." For more information, please visit www.samsung.com<http://www.samsung.com>.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com<http://www.samsung.com/>.