The original T-Hub, launched in April 2010 ran a proprietary operating system and the range of apps available was limited. T-Hub 2 is based on Android 2.3 and can run the full range of apps available from Google Play (formerly Android Market). Telstra said it had sold 300,000 of the original T-Hubs.
The main difference between the T-Hub 2 tablet and standard Android devices is the inclusion of a DECT cordless phone interface that enables calls to made and received from the tablet via the T-Hub 2's base station.
The unit also ships with a standard DECT cordless handset. The system can be expanded to a total of five connected devices that can be either cordless handsets or tablets. The device is integrated into the Telstra network such that received voicemails are displayed as a list on the screen that can be scrolled through and tapped for instant playback.
The T-Hub-2 runs a Texas Instruments OMAP dual-core 1GHz processor, has 1GB of RAM and 2GB of flash memory, a 1.2 megapixel front and 1.9 megapixel rear-facing camera.
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Brian Harcourt, executive director, Telstra Wireline Products, said: "To ensure T-Hub 2 meets the needs of Australian families we enlisted the help of Telstra customers who trialled the device during its development. We also listened to feedback from owners of the original T-Hub. They told us call clarity, managing contacts, and access to applications were really important to them and we have focused on making these features high-quality and easy to use."
Telstra's director, broadband and devices, John Chambers said: "We used the same vendor, Technicolor, that we use for our home routers and gateways so all our home devices have the same black and white look. The seven inch tablet has a much higher resolution screen than the previous version.
"We have preloaded a lots of apps, including email and calendar. We also have weather widgets, BigPond News and sport, all unmetered through BigPond. It also comes with Tune-In Internet radio pre-installed."
He added: "We have created the T-hub 2 to be connected home controller. There a T-Box remote app that enables you to control a T-Box and an app called T-Share that allows you to control all the DLNA devices around the home."
T-Hub 2 is available for $360 outright for Telstra customers or can be purchased in conjunction with a Telstra T-Bundle and paid off over 24 months for $15 a month.
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