Watch out iPad - Go ogle the Google gPad!

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 23:21

Your IT - Entertainment

The iPad hasn't even launched yet and already Google has shown concept pictures (and a video) of its own tablet hardware running a large touch-screen version of the Chrome OS.

While there's no sign of a built-in webcam on the Google Tablet, unlike the hints we might be seeing one on the iPad after all (what with tech company Mission Repair claiming to already have spare iPad parts which show that a MacBook inbuilt camera fits directly into a special spot within the iPad's frame), the gPad concept photos certainly do ape the iPad's hardware design.

We see various on-screen keyboard styles, including a keyboard split in two halves, a coverflow-style view of open web pages and overlapping windows similar to those seen on regular desktop operating systems, Google is careful to note that: 'This is a concept UI under development. Designs are subject to change.'

This is because Google is undoubtedly rapidly developing a Chrome OS tablet, but before it really needs to worry too much about a large touch screen, which is likely little different to a mobile touch screen save for its size, the important part of the equation is the software.

Yes, Apple's iPad has IPS (in plane switching) capability for its screen, giving it a much better picture no matter which angle you're viewing it from, while Google would be wise to copy, meaning the hardware is certainly an important factor.

But the software any Google tablet runs is vitally important as well. Given the ultra smooth user experience Apple offers its iPhone and iPod Touch users, it's very interesting to note that Google's own Android OS has rapidly copied the iPhone's interface and success, even right down to activating the Nexus One's multi-touch capabilities, something it was thought Google couldn't do due to Apple's multi-touch patents.

Google will even offer this free multi-touch upgrade through a free over-the-air software update, not by a sync through PC software such as iTunes, further putting pressure on the Apple way of doing things.

Continued on page two, please read on'¦