There is no denying the fact that tablets are flooding the market in this new “Post-PC” era, with company’s like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Samsung, Motorola, and of course, Apple, all pumping out their own devices, even little known companies like Coby are looking to make a quick buck by releasing a tablet running Google’s Android. You know it’s bad when you can by an Android tablet at a Walgreens.
Not to by out done, the world’s largest toy store is looking to get in on the action. Toys R Us has just announced their own tablet, Tabeo (pronounced Tab – E – O), which will retail for $149.99 and will go on sale in stores on October 21st. The Android-powered Tabeo is a 7-inch tablet that comes complete with a child friendly interface, its own app store with 6,000+ titles 50 pre-loaded games, books and educational app as well as parental controls, allowing parents block internet content. It also features 4GB of storage that can be expanded up to 32GB, a 1GHz processor and even a front-facing camera.
Here’s a full spec list on the Tabeo Tablet:
- 7″ Tablet
- Parental Controls block inappropriate content to surf the web safely
- Front-facing camera to capture and share special moments
- HDMI output to enjoy photos, videos, and more on your TV
- Child-friendly interface
- 1.0 Ghz processor makes gaming fast and fun!
- Capacitive multi-touch screen makes usage simple
- Enjoy books, games, music, videos, and photos everywhere
- 4 GB Storage, but is expandable via micro SDHC slot (up to 32 GB)
- 50 pre-loaded games, books, and educational apps
- Over 6,000 free downloadable apps available in the Tabeo Store
- Drop-safe bumper included
- Full internet experience with Flash support
- WIFI
It’s clear that Toys R Us is trying to capitalize on the growing tablet market, but with Amazon’s recently announced Kindle Fire refresh (the original Fire, not the HD) selling for only $159, parents will be tasked with making a tough decision for their kids. The Tabeo does have the advantage of a kid friendly interface, but the new Kindle Fire also has parental controls, including the ability to place time limits on the tablet’s abilities, like reading, apps, movies and more with an easy to use slider.
Toys R Us could have a success on their hands, but it all depends on how well they market the tablet. They need to spend some money on advertising, they need children to ask their parents for this tablet, other wise it’s a no go. Let us not forget Apple’s Trojan Horse, the iPad Mini. If the Tabeo is scheduled to go on sale in late October, it’s going to go head to head with Apple’s iPad Mini, which is already expected to disrupt the 7-inch tablet market and the new Kindles, which aren’t expected to arrive until November 20th.
This holiday season will be an interesting one to watch, that is a given, but who will come out on top during their 4th quarter earnings report, that’s still up in the air. If you’re interesting in pre-ordering a Tabeo or want more information, head over to Toys R Us.