$99 tablet running Android 4.0 heading to US

Competition is heating up in the tablet sector. The iPad is raking in the sales, while the Kindle Fire looks set to capitalise on both the Kindle name and its $199 price tag. As parts become cheaper and developers look to stay ahead, it was only a matter of time before we"d see a cheap tablet pre-loaded with Android 4.0.

Enter the Novo7. A bold move by developers Ainol, the tablet is expected to make waves among the budget-conscious gadget buyer, weighing in at a mere $99. The device has been certified by Google, and while not yet available in the US, the tablet is currently enjoying a Chinese release in the meantime.

So what does $99 get you? A 7-inch tablet with front and rear cameras for a start. Under the hood comes a MIPS-based 1GHz processor, as well as a Vivante 444MHz GPU. In terms of connectivity the Novo7 boasts USB 2.0, HDMI 1.3, 802.11 b/g/n, and a microSD slot. The slab is capable of decoding 1080p video and boasts a low-powered design with an average power of 250mw.

Any tablet that entices more people onto Android is bound to get Google talking. Andy Rubin, head of Android, said in a statement: "Low-cost, high-performance tablets are a big win for mobile consumers and a strong illustration of how Android"s openness drives innovation and competition for the benefit of consumers around the world."

A release outside of China is due "within the next several months". Ainol are also preparing 8" and 9" versions for a future release.

​Image credit: Engadget

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