Sharp Announces Two Android-based Tablets for December

Japanese tech giant Sharp announced it would launch a 5.5-inch and a 10.8-inch tablet named Galapagos, as well as an electronic bookstore in December — but only in Japan.

Both tablets will feature Wi-Fi communication and are Android-based; the smaller model will have a 1024 x 600 LCD screen, while the larger version will boast a 1366 x 800 pixel resolution. Both devices will be available in red, silver and black.

Despite the color LCD screens, Sharp emphasizes that these new devices are primarily e-readers. In December, Sharp will launch its e-bookstore, which will feature an “Automatic Scheduled Delivery Service” for periodicals as well as delivery of free trial versions of recommended content. The e-bookstore will feature some 30,000 books at launch, while Sharp plans to expand content to movies, music and games next year.

Sharp’s biggest competitors will be Apple, whose iPad was introduced in Japan four months ago, and Sony, which plans to launch its own e-book service before the end of the year, and has recently launched new versions [mashable link] of its three e-book readers. Sharp plans to sell 1 million units of the tablet, and is currently speaking to Verizon in the United States about a possible overseas launch.

 [via mashable]

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