Rumours that Hewlett-Packard would launch new smartphone by the end of 2013 did not pan out but signs resurfaced this week that suggested a launch was imminent. First, we found out about a device called the HP Slate 6 Voice Tab. Now 9to5Google reports that an announcement could happen as early as next week. According to a source “inside HP,” the Android smartphone will be aimed at the prepaid and a number of emerging markets, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Much as earlier rumours suggested, the report adds that the device will sell for about US$200 outright. As far as specifications are concerned, the device is said to be similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Note phablet with a number of downgraded specifications to ensure that HP can meet its desired price point. If so, the specifications of the HP Slate 6 Voice Tab which include an HD (720×1280) display and a quad-core Marvell PXA1088 processor may not be far off the mark.
HP has repeatedly suggested that it would make a return to the smartphone market that it last exited when it abruptly gave up on webOS. CEO Meg Whitman ruled out a return in 2013 in late 2012 but still had to move relatively rapidly or find itself “locked out of a huge segment of the population in many countries of the world.” It would appear that HP is about to make its move.
Source : 9to5Google