As for the A5, it is anticipated the A5 will feature a dual-core processor at speeds of 1GHz or above much like Nvidia’s Tegra 2 (that powers Android devices). Apple’s current A4 processor is based on the single core Cortex A8 ARM processor and powers the existing iPad, iPhone 4, and Apple TV. It is expected the dual-core A5 processor will find its way into the iPad 2, iPhone 5, and future Apple TV devices.

This week at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas several major companies including Motorola, Research In Motion, Panasonic, Lenovo, Asus, and Vizio have announced tablets. Most of the tablets announced are running Android, and Google today announced Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Honeycomb is designed exclusively for tablets, but it is not ready yet and won’t be until sometime later this year. Research In Motion’s tablet will be running their own software, and a few of the tablets will be running Windows. Unfortunately many of the tablets announced this week will not going on sale to the public for at least for 3-12 months (if ever).

Last year several companies announced tablets including HP, but never actually released the products they announced (HP is expected to announce a tablet on February 9th, 2011 running their own webOS). While we are optimistic that most of the tablets announced this week will actually go on sale sometime in 2011, it is likely they will be released sporadically throughout the year so stay tuned to TabAttack for up-to-date tablet news, and rumors.

Google recently released the Cr-48 laptop to developers running Chrome OS, Google’s newest operating system built around the Chrome web browser. Well, one of those developers has successfully ported Google’s mobile OS Android to run on the Cr-48, oops. Many have questioned why Google is even developing Chrome OS when they already have Android, and the fact Android can operate on the Cr-48 raises even more questions as to why Google is developing two competing operating systems?

Originally Google was developing Chrome OS to run on netbooks, but over the past year netbook sales have fallen off the map meanwhile tablets, and the iPad have taken off. It was recently projected that tablet sales will overtake laptop sales by 2015, and the netbook is now being looked at as a fad. Chrome OS supposedly is designed to work on tablets, but so far its user interface is rather limited, and not exactly touch friendly. Meanwhile the next version of Android is designed to only work on tablets which makes Google’s intentions even less clear.

[via ReadWriteWeb]

Over at Vizio, they’ve got some exciting new hardware to share with the world. The company has detailed out some information on a new 8-inch, Android powered tablet, complete with a 1GHz processor, 802.11n Wifi, GPS, HDMI output, three speaker stereo audio, and also a front-facing camera. The tablet will be part of what Vizio is calling the “Vizio VIA Plus Ecosystem”, which will also include:

• VIA Phone: 4-inch phone, touting a 1GHz processor, 802.11 n Wifi, GPS, HDMI output, 5MP rear camera, front-facing camera
• VIA Plus TV’s and Blue-ray players: all with Google TV goodness baked right in. You will also be able to use the phone and tablet as remotes for these devices

We can expect to see these devices officially announced at CES in just a couple of days. While we don’t have a whole lot of information as of yet, you can bet we’ll know more when that time comes. Be sure to hit the break for the full press release, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

VIZIO Unveils New Smartphone and Tablet Featuring VIA Plus for Even More Entertainment Freedom

- Part of the VIA Plus Ecosystem, the VIZIO smartphone and tablet Feature a Unified and Intuitive User Experience to Simplify Today’s Connected Lifestyle

- The VIZIO smartphone features a 4″ high-resolution capacitive touch screen with 5 Megapixel camera for photos and HD video capture, and a front-facing camera for video chat

- The VIZIO tablet boasts an 8″ high resolution capacitive touchscreen with 3 speakers for stereo audio in portrait or landscape mode and a front-facing camera for video chat

- Both devices include HD video playback with HDMI video output, high quality audio processing and built-in universal remote control app that make these the ideal handheld companions to the HD entertainment experience

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today it is expanding into the mobility category with the VIZIO smartphone and tablet (referred to as the “VIA Phone” and “VIA Tablet” below) — both part of the VIA Plus ecosystem, the next generation of VIZIO Internet Apps™, that features a unified, sophisticated and intuitive user experience across multiple CE devices including VIZIO HDTVs, Blu-ray players, smartphones and tablets.

“Both the VIA phone and tablet feature the highest performance coupled with innovative features that tie them into the media consumption experience,” said Matthew McRae, Chief Technology Officer at VIZIO. “And by integrating the VIA Plus user experience also found on our next generation TVs and Blu-ray devices, VIZIO is delivering the multi-screen, unified ecosystem others have talked about for years and never delivered.”

The VIZIO VIA Phone features a 1 GHz processor, 4″ high-resolution capacitive touch screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion and HDMI output with HD video playback. It also features a front-facing camera for video chats and a 5 megapixel rear camera for photos and HD video capture.

The VIZIO VIA Tablet also features a 1 GHz processor, with an 8″ high-resolution capacitive touch screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, a MicroSD card slot for additional memory expansion, HDMI output with HD video playback, and a front-facing camera for video chats. It also boasts a unique three-speaker design for stereo audio in both portrait and landscape modes.

Both devices include a built-in IR blaster with universal remote control app for quick access to the entire home theater or nearly any other CE device in the home. Both run on the Android™ Platform, which will also allow users to access thousands of apps through Android Market™.

“As part of the VIA Plus ecosystem, the VIA phone and tablet are natural extensions of the HD entertainment experience that historically has centered around the TV,” added Mr. McRae. “Whether consumers are looking to enjoy content on the big screen, on their tablet or on a mobile phone, VIA Plus delivers on the promise of Entertainment Freedom for All by creating a rich and consistent user experience across all devices that’s accessible to everyone, from the power user to the casual browser.”

VIZIO will be demonstrating the VIA Phone and VIA Tablet in their private CES showcase at the Wynn Hotel from January 6 to 9, 2011.

*Sources: Q3 2010 iSuppli and DisplaySearch Reports

About VIZIO

VIZIO, Inc., “Entertainment Freedom For All,” headquartered in Irvine, California, is America’s HDTV and Consumer Electronics Company. In 2007, VIZIO skyrocketed to the top by becoming the #1 selling brand of flat panel HDTVs in North America and became the first American brand in over a decade to lead in U.S. TV sales. Since 2007 VIZIO HDTV shipments remain in the TOP ranks in the U.S. and was #1 for the total year in 2009. VIZIO is committed to bringing feature-rich consumer electronics to market at a value through practical innovation. VIZIO offers a broad range of award winning consumer electronics. VIZIO’s products are found at Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target, BJ’s Wholesale, and other retailers nationwide along with authorized online partners. VIZIO has won numerous awards including a #1 ranking in the Inc. 500 for Top Companies in Computers and Electronics, Fast Company’s 6th Most Innovative CE Company of 2009, and made the lists of Ad Age’s Hottest Brands, Good Housekeeping’s Best Big-Screens, CNET’s Editor’s Choice, PC World’s Best Buy and OC Metro’s 10 Most Trustworthy Brands among many other prestigious honors. For more information, please call             888-VIZIOCE       or visit on the web at www.VIZIO.com.

The V, VIZIO, TruLED, Extreme VIZIO Technology XVT, VIZIO Internet Apps, VIA Plus, 480Hz SPS, 240Hz SPS, Thin Line, Smooth Motion, Razor LED, Smart Dimming, Theater 3D, Cinema HDTV, Entertainment Freedom For All names, phrase and symbols are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other trademarks may be the property of their respective holders.

CES is just around the corner, and Asus has decided to tease us a bit with a preview video showing off some information about their forthcoming tablet line. It would appear that we have three offerings on the way: the EP101, EP102, and EP121.

The video reveals that the EP121 is a Windows tablet, featuring a Core i5 CPU and a 12-inch multitouch display. The EP101 and/or the 102 looks to be an Android offering, as evidenced by the teaser picture below which shows off the distinctive Android buttons.

We also learn from the video that the EP101 features a dockable keyboard, whereas the EP102 is a slider. We do not know anything else about specs or details, but we will be on hand at CES next week to bring you all the latest and greatest in tablet news. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available, and check out the teaser video below to whet your appetite.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via CrunchGear]