Following rumors of a $199 Google-branded tablet, NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said he believes that more Tegra 3-powered tablets will be coming to the market this summer at the same low price. By removing things like expensive memory, a $199 tablet is quite feasible, Huang said. Amazon’s immensely popular Kindle Fire tablet — which shipped with just 8GB of storage and no cameras — is available at the $199 price point and managed to capture 14% of the tablet market in its debut quarter. Huang has been left disappointed with the development of Android, however, and he believes Microsoft’s Windows 8 platform could make a real dent in the tablet market. ”Android hasn’t developed as I’d hoped,” he told the The New York Times. “For many people, though, work is still the primary reason to have a computer. They want Windows to work well, they want Outlook to work well. A tablet running Windows 8 with Tegra could be very nice.”

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Speculation surrounding a Google-branded Android tablet is ramping up with a new rumor suggesting that the search giant has partnered with ASUS to release a 7-inch tablet, an Android fan site reported on Monday. The slate is expected to retail for $199 and include a quad-core Tegra 3 processor with a stock version of Android Ice Cream Sandwich. According to the blog, Google was highly impressed with ASUS’ previously announced $249 MeMo tablet. The Mountain View-based company reached out to ASUS to see if they could reduce the cost of materials — possibly internal storage —  and reach the coveted $199 price point. The final product name is unknown, although the company has been reportedly purchasing domains referring to “Google Play.” The tablet should enter production in April and ship around June, possibly at the company’s annual I/O conference on June 27th if these rumors pan out.

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The Motorola DROID 4 is now available from Verizon Wireless for $199.99 on contract. The sleek QWERTY slider features a 4-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4G LTE connectivity, 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear camera, and it is being billed as the “thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone.” Thanks to upcoming network enhancements, the DROID 4 will also be able to roam overseas, making it Verizon’s first 4G LTE device with global roaming capabilities. The handset is also eligible for double data, offering subscribers 4GB of data each month for $30.

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Verizon Wireless and Motorola unveiled the DROID 4 at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show, but the handset never formally received a release date. A new rumor from Droid-Life points to a launch next week on February 9th, however. The newest DROID will reportedly launch at $199.99 with a new two-year agreement — a price that matches a recently leaked MAP list and what we were told by a Verizon representative. The smartphone features a 4-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera, 4G LTE connectivity and a five-row QWERTY keyboard. Thanks to upcoming network enhancements, the DROID 4 will also be able to roam overseas, making it Verizon’s first 4G LTE device with global roaming capabilities.

UPDATE: According to leaked Verizon equipment guide obtained by Droid-Life, the device is now rumored to launch on February 10th. The date coincides with the release of Star Wars Episode One in 3D.

Read [February 9th] Read [February 10th]

Verizon plans to launch the DROID 4 for $199.99 on contract, according to a recent MAP list obtained by Droid-Life. The pricing shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however — we were told as much by a Verizon representative when the device was unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Verizon has been known to launch 4G LTE devices at $299.99, however, the recently launched LG Spectrum debuted at the lower $199.99 price point as well. The DROID 4 packs a roomy 5-row keyboard and measures just half an inch thick. The smartphone features a 4-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera and 4G LTE connectivity. Thanks to upcoming network enhancements, the DROID 4 will also be able to roam overseas, making it Verizon’s first 4G LTE device to do so. Verizon has not yet announced a release date for the handset.

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Verizon announced on Tuesday that the Motorola DROID RAZR, which originally launched a few months back for $299.99, is now available for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The DROID RAZR is equipped with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, support for Verizon’s 4G LTE network, 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p HD video and more. The slim smartphone will also become available in new white or purple color options on January 23rd. Verizon’s full press release follows after the break.

DROID RAZR™ By Motorola Now Available For $199.99 Online On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network 

Customer Inquiries

The DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in Black is now available online atwww.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Equipped with 16 GB on-board memory, the DROID RAZR is 7.1 mm thin, made with KEVLAR® fiber for strength and Corning® Gorilla® Glass for scratch resistance. DROID RAZR customers can expect to rip through the Web at blazing speeds with a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Verizon Wireless 4G LTE. Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the United States, covering more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Additional features:

• Powered by Android™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, upgradable to Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p HD video capture and image stabilization technology for crisp and clear videos
• Front-facing HD camera for video chat over 4G LTE, 3G or Wi-Fi
• 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot capable – customers can share 4G LTE speed with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• Remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts, as well as voice and video chat conferencing
• 16 GB on-board memory
• microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB memory card

The DROID RAZR in White and Purple will be also available for $199.99 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com on Jan. 23.

Customers that purchase a DROID RAZR will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

ViewSonic announced on Monday that its ViewPad 7e Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) tablet will be available in North America by the end of October for $199.99. The ViewPad 7e offers a 7-inch display with an 800 x 600-pixel resolution, a user interface with 3D “holographic visual effects,” a 1GHz processor, 4GB of storage, a micro-HDMI port, a 3-megapixel camera, a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats and a microSD card slot for adding up to 32GB of additional storage. On paper, its $200 price point certainly sounds like a bargain compared to more expensive tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The ViewPad 7e runs the Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone operating system with somewhat outdated specs, however, which means most users will probably seek out the more powerful Amazon Kindle Fire, which also costs $200. The ViewPad 7e supports 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi networks and it remains unclear if ViewSonic will also launch a 3G version with U.S. carriers. Read on for the full press release.

ViewSonic Introduces New Sub-$200 Android-Based Tablet

ViewPad® 7e with ViewScene™ 3D interface is performance-packed at an irresistible price

WALNUT, Calif. – October 24, 2011 – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today expanded its ViewPad tablet lineup to include the new ViewPad 7e.

Created with the economical consumer in mind, while offering the newest and most in-demand features, the ViewPad 7e is ViewSonic’s latest addition to the successful ViewPad tablet lineup. This convenient 7” Android^™ 2.3 Gingerbread tablet combines a powerful 1GHz processor that is excellent for flash video and web browsing. The included Amazon Services for Android and Amazon Kindle™ for Android applications create a great tablet and e-reading device. With pre-installed apps like Twitter, TuneIn Radio and WildTangent games, a service for convenient browsing, downloading and purchasing of online and social games, the ViewPad 7e delivers a layered, intuitive experience that is sure to please all ages and wallets.

ViewSonic has further improved the Gingerbread experience with its exclusive ViewScene 3D interface to deliver an intuitive home screen layout with holographic visual effects. With the new ViewSonic user interface, usability and navigation is unparalleled. Users can quickly get up to speed and customize their favorite apps, delivered directly from the Android storefront.

With its RiteTouch technology and multi-touch capability, it’s easy to write directly on the ViewPad 7e’s 800×600 LED backlit screen. It is perfect for note taking in the classroom, or highlighting excerpts within a novel or textbook. RiteTouch technology makes it easy to swipe across content, zoom in and out, and scroll through emails using either a fingertip or a stylus. Texting couldn’t be easier with the built-in Swype™ keyboard, making typing lightening fast right out of the box.

“Our ViewPad tablet line offers a robust assortment of solutions designed to meet every individual’s mobile computing needs – spanning from business to entertainment,” said Michael Holstein, vice president of business development, ViewSonic. “The ViewPad 7e extends our quality commitment to consumers that want an excellent mobile multimedia experience, at a very aggressive price point.”

Whether experiencing 1080p video playback via the Micro HDMI connection, enjoying Flash 10.3 based applications, or engaging in video chats or taking photos using the dual cameras (3MP rear, VGA 0.3MP front), the ViewPad 7e delivers a robust yet cost-effective multimedia experience. In addition to 4GB of internal storage, the ViewPad 7e offers up to 32GB of additional storage capacity via the micro SD card slot. Teamed with Wi-Fi^® 802.11 g/b/n and Bluetooth^® support, consumers are able to stay connected to all their favorite multimedia content wherever they go. For added convenience and functionality, the ViewPad 7e offers ViewSonic’s AirSync® technology to ensure that tablet owners will receive over-the-air device updates as they are rolled out, from feature add-ons to software updates.

The ViewPad 7e will be available in North America at the end of October for an ESP of $199.99. Latin America will follow with product availability in November.

Samsung’s Galaxy S II smartphone is now available from AT&T for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The Galaxy S II runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Samsung Exynos processor. It is also equipped with an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p HD video at 30-frames per second, a 2-megapixel forward-facing camera for video chat, 16GB of storage, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution and support for AT&T’s HSPA+ “4G” network. Its 1,650 mAh battery is rated for up to 3 hours of talk-time or 250 hours of standby. BGR is currently working on a full review of the Galaxy S II, so stay tuned for more.

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AT&T confirmed on Wednesday that its Samsung GALAXY S II smartphone will be available on October 2nd for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The Samsung GALAXY S II is equipped with a dual-core 1.2GHz Samsung Exynos processor, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 16GB of storage, an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording HD video chat and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats. AT&T’s version of the smartphone also supports its 4G HSPA+ network. BGR went hands-on with AT&T’s S II last month, and we’ll have our full review in the coming weeks.

Verizon Wireless announced on Tuesday that it will offer the BlackBerry Torch 9850 on September 8th for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The Torch 9850 offers a full 3.7-inch touchscreen display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution, a 1.2GHz processor, support for global roaming in more than 200 countries, a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p HD video and 16GB of storage. The Torch 9850 was first unveiled during a RIM event in Toronto on August 3rd where we published hands-on impressions of the phone. It is the best full-touchscreen smartphone RIM has sold and its browser is much improved, but the BlackBerry 7 operating still feels stale in comparison to Android, Windows Phone and iOS. Read on for the full press release from Verizon Wireless.

BlackBerry Torch 9850 to be Available on the Nation’s Most Reliable Network

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless today announced the new BlackBerry® Torch™ 9850 smartphone will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on Sept. 8, and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Sept. 15.

Watch videos, play games and stay productive on the largest display and highest resolution on a BlackBerry smartphone to date.  Powered by the new BlackBerry® 7 operating system, customers can enjoy the next generation BlackBerry browser with optimized zooming, panning and HTML 5 performance.  BlackBerry® Balance is now integrated, allowing secure access to business information while preventing it from being copied into, sent from or used by personal applications.  Customers can stay connected to their personal and business lives while in or out of the office.

Key features:

• 3G coverage on the nation’s most reliable network
• 3.7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display (800 x 480) with trackpad navigation
• 1.2 GHz processor
• Global Ready™ – Quad band with support for UMTS, HSPA, GSM, GPRS and EDGE allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, including more than 95 with 3G speeds
• 5-megapixel camera with flash and 720p HD video recording capabilities
• Wi-Fi b/g/n, GPS and Bluetooth® 2.1
• 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed, with support for up to 32 GB microSD card

BlackBerry 7:

• Liquid Graphics™ technology combines a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a blazingly fast CPU and stunning high-resolution display to deliver a responsive touch interface with incredibly fast and smooth graphics.
• Premium version of Documents To Go is now included at no additional cost, offering customers enhanced document editing features, as well as a native PDF document viewer.
• The newest release of BBM™ (BlackBerry Messenger) now extends the real-time BBM experience together with a range of apps including gaming and social networking.
• Updated Social Feeds app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts and more, all in one consolidated view.
• Universal search capability now supports voice-activated search, allowing customers to simply say what they want to find on their device or the Web.
• BlackBerry Balance administrator can remotely wipe business information from the device while leaving personal information intact.

Pricing and availability:

• BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphone will be available for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
• Customers that purchase a BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

AT&T announced that the HTC HD7S — its fourth Windows Phone device — is now available for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The HTC HD7S was originally announced in March during CTIA, and it offers a 4.3-inch Super LCD display, a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, a 1GHz processor, and more. The phone will not launch with Microsoft’s new Windows Phone Mango update, but it should be getting that update when Mango is released in the fall.

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RadioShack began taking pre-orders for Sprint’s HTC EVO 3D last week, and now the phone’s price tag may have been confirmed to be $200, or $500 off contract. An apparent leaked advertisement suggests that the device will also come with Green Hornet 3D pre-loaded, and it looks like anyone who trades in an HTC EVO 4G or HTC EVO Shift will be able to knock $100 off the purchase price. Unfortunately there still aren’t any details on a specific launch date, but if you want to get your EVO 3D with a hint of Seth Rogen, you may want to head over to your local RadioShack now.

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As much as we like Verizon Wireless’ second 4G LTE-enabled smartphone offering, $300 is a tough pill to swallow — even for the fastest smartphone we’ve ever reviewed. While the improved battery life and slimmer build probably do warrant a $50 premium over the HTC ThunderBolt, Verizon’s other 4G smartphone, its $250 asking price is a bit steep to begin with. As usual, however, AmazonWireless has swooped in with a sale price and undercut Verizon’s asking price by a cool $100. The new lower price of $199 is in line with what one might expect to pay for a smartphone on contract, and the DROID Charge is well worth it thanks to a 1GHz processor, a gorgeous Super AMOLED Plus display, an 8-megapixel camera and, of course, blazing fast 4G LTE speeds. Amazon’s $199 price tag for the DROID Charge is only available for a limited time, though no end date has been specified for the sale.

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Via its Facebook page, AT&T has announced that it will offer the HTC HD7S Windows Phone handset for $199.99 beginning on June 5th. The HD7S offers a 4.3-inch Super LCD display, a 1GHz processor, a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, and more. It was originally announced on March 21, and we had a chance to get up close and personal with it during CTIA. Given its launch date, we assume it will be packed with Microsoft’s latest software update, which we’re sure we’ll hear more about on May 24th.

[Via Phone Arena]

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T-Mobile has confirmed that its G2x smartphone will be available online starting on April 15th, and in stores on April 20th, for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The LG-built T-Mobile G2x was announced during CTIA 2011 in March and packs Android 2.2 (Froyo), a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset, an 8-megapixel camera and support for T-Mobile’s 4G HSPA+ network. When we had a chance to check out the device first-hand, we said the G2x could easily end up being one of our favorite handsets on T-Mobile, so we’re definitely looking forward to seeing the phone launch.

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