It has been inevitable for some time that at least some suppliers were going to push the boundaries between smart phones and tablets, reaching some point of convergence. Count Asus as the first to do so. Its “Fonepad” is a device with seven-inch screen that doubles as a tablet and a smart phone, having 3G voice and mobile data.
In some sense, the Asus device is the first phablet device that fully combines a seven-inch screen with smart phone capabilities. Reportedly, it will be initially selling for about 265 euros.
That means the device still is too expensive for widespread use as a converged device in many developing markets, but that is only a matter of time. No doubt pundits will find much to criticize. But that would be true of any device intended for mass market use, especially in markets where affordability is a key concern.
The issue is more than simply the availability of the first device that really blends smart phone and tablet in one device. The issue is whether, over time, such devices will be useful in many emerging markets where device cost and service cost are important barriers to be overcome.
Some skeptics have argued that in many such markets, many consumers will opt for a phone only, and not be able to afford a tablet. That assumption remains to be tested, especially over time, as prices for these sorts of combination units or phablets decline.
It might be an important new device category, for such markets.
Fonepad can be used for voice calls using the built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone or an optional Bluetooth headset, and Asus suggests the device can help users by operating with a single mobile data plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment