Japanese tech giant Sharp announced it would launch a 5.5-inch and a 10.8-inch tablet named Galapagos, as well as an electronic bookstore in December — but only in Japan.
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Both tablets will feature Wi-Fi communication and are Android-based; the smaller model will have a 1024 x 600 LCD screen, while the larger version will boast a 1366 x 800 pixel resolution. Both devices will be available in red, silver and black.
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Despite the color LCD screens, Sharp emphasizes that these new devices are primarily e-readers. In December, Sharp will launch its e-bookstore, which will feature an “Automatic Scheduled Delivery Service†for periodicals as well as delivery of free trial versions of recommended content. The e-bookstore will feature some 30,000 books at launch, while Sharp plans to expand content to movies, music and games next year.
Sharp Galapagos | Tablets
Sharp’s biggest competitors will be Apple, whose iPad was introduced in Japan four months ago, and Sony, which plans to launch its own e-book service before the end of the year, and has recently launched new versions of its three e-book readers. Sharp plans to sell 1 million units of the tablet, and is currently speaking to Verizon in the United States about a possible overseas launch.
