Most Android tablets aren’t able to make phone calls without software such as Skype or something else, but Telstra’s new T-Hub 2 isn’t just a fancy landline phone as was the T-Hub 1, but it’s finally powered by Android – in this case, version 2.3.
While that’s older than the brand new Jelly Bean Android 4.1 OS, the vast majority of Android devices are still running Android OS 2.x, thus ensuring the T-Hub 2’s compatibility with the vast majority of Android apps out there.
Clearly, Telstra has gone down the Android path to make the T-Hub 2 a much more attractive device than the first T-Hub, which was merely a functional tablet that basically did what it said on the tin, but little more.
The T-Hub 2 offers the Google Play store, letting you play Angry Birds and basically whatever else you want, vastly improving the usefulness of Telstra’s landline phone Android tablet combo – which also comes with a separate traditional cordless handset.
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A bit like Microsoft’s Surface tablet, the T-Hub 2 has a built-in kick stand – and it has also had a very welcome makeover, as opposed to the 1980s Volvo-esque boxy monstrosity that was the T-Hub 1.
In what was once a highly unusual move from Telstra, the company noted that it actually “enlisted the help” of its customers – and in what would have been a heart-stopping shock in the days before David Thodey – the company says that it “listened to feedback from owners of the original T-Hub”.
Yes, it truly is amazing, but the “new” Telstra appears to have learned some lessons the old one would never have.
Telstra also says the T-Hub 2 is “NBN compatible”, which is a bit of clever marketing.
The T-Hub 2 even has DLNA compatibility, and lets you “share videos, photos and music” between DLNA TVs and PCs, the T-Hub and the T-Box.
Avialable for AUD $360 outright for Telstra’s customers with “eligible services”, or available to pay off over 24 months at $15 per month, the specs are as follows:
- Android 2.3.
- Pre-installed apps: Internet radio, email, calendar, calculator, Facebook®, Yellow and White Pages, T-Share, and TelstraOne for unmetered weather, news and sports.
- TI OMAP Dual-core 1GHz processor with 1GB of RAM and 2GB of flash memory.
- Voice calling: On PSTN or NBN.
- Tablet screen: 7-inch WSVGA (1024mm x 600mm) screen.
- Cameras: 1.2 megapixel front and 1.9 megapixel rear-facing cameras for video and taking photos.
- Interfaces: micro USB 2.0, micro HDMI, SD card, 3.5mm stereo audio jack
- Connectivity: DECT, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, Wi-Fi b/g/n.
- Standby time: 18 hours for both the tablet and portable handset.
- Manufacturer: Technicolor
