Samsung today unveiled a ‘rollable’ 13-inch ‘Galaxy Tab Vellum’ at CTIA Euro in Stuttgart, Germany.
Upon release, Samsung’s 13-inch device will run Google’s next-gen Android operating system, code-named “Rhubarb Pineapple Upside-Down Cake” and features a unique malleable, flexible polymer-based, paper-thin (0.092mm) display that users simply roll-away when not in use. The OLED display’s HD resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio). The device’s weight totals just 2.5 ounces (70.87 grams) and, when rolled-away, creates a tube just 1.2 inches (30.47 mm) in diameter by 8 inches (203.2 mm) long.
Samsung’s chief marketing officer, Lie-Wee Ken, said that that the new ‘Galaxy Tab Vellum’ is the “thinnest and largest tablet” in the industry. “Apple cannot compete with this,” he added.
Reporters were not allowed to touch or photograph the device, which Samsung showed in its rolled-away (transportable) state within a seamless, airtight lucite case. Those in attendance at Samsung’s announcement were also shown a video featuring CG footage of the device in action along with the positive reactions of three professionals from New York City who got to test a thicker prototype of the prototype device: Freelance travel writer Joan Hess, independent film director Karl Shefelman, and the CEO of a leading New York real estate firm, Joseph Kolinksi. All three called the device “truly revolutionary and magical” and they couldn’t wait to try the rollable version instead of the 2-inch thick plastic pre-prototype Samsung provided them for testing.
Accordingly, Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab Vellum was awarded CTIA Euro’s 2011 Virtual Prototype Award.
Several analysts’ notes this morning expect Apple’s iPad to lose significant share to Samsung’s new tablets and Google’s next-gen Android OS in general. Pauper Jeffrey analyst Herman Munster wrote, “Expect really, really long lines for this one, Grandpa!”
Samsung did not release pricing or shipping information other than to say that the price would be “competitive” at launch.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple is doomed.